They appear slim and slouch forward when perched. They have prominent ear tufts that appear to sit in the middle of the head and are usually held erect. Plumage is brown and buff, with heavy mottling and barring over most of the body.
Male plumage tends to be lighter than females.
The eyes are golden yellow, encircled by black feathers that are set in an orange-brown facial disk. The bill is black. The forehead and lores are mottled grey and white and there is a white chin patch. The legs and feet are heavily feathered. Juveniles are similar to adults but less heavily marked.