May fly during the day if disturbed. Sits very still, upright, usually in a pine or olive tree up against the trunk. Finely mottled and striped brown all over. Two ear tufts are sometimes raised. The eyes are yellow.
Flight is quick and direct, wing beats rapid.
Wings are rounded. Looks very squat in flight. Wodded areas at all altitudes. In autumn and spring may be found in lone trees. May. Holes in trees and old buildings.