Ventrally, pale brown to whitish with scattered dark brown streaks extending from chest long sides and flanks. Western screech-owl is similar in size, although slightly larger. The overall plumage is gray.
Calls are short.
Begins nesting in March. Nests in natural caveties or woodpecker holes. Clutch size 3 to 7 with an incubation period of approximately 26 days. Young fledge at approximately 30 days. Resident throughout the year.