A diurnal owl about the size of a large crow, this owl is about 10 ounces and 15 inches in length. Short ear tufts are seldom raised, even wnen perched.
Coloration includes a brown phase and a gray phase.
Stripes on the belly and sides are lighter and disappear on the underside. Facial disk coloration is a striking orange brown with dark eye circles. Appears at least to some extent in most of North America. It may roost on the ground, or in low brush. Occasionally it will nest in a low bush.