[6][1] It inhabits tropical and subtropical moist evergreen forests and edges as well as open bush canopy.

[7] It is one of the smallest South American owls, averaging at 55 g (1.9 oz) and 15 cm (5.9 in) tall.

The pale greyish-brown facial disk is not pronounced and shows some rufous concentric lines.

The upper part of the body is relatively dark, rufous-brown with small white spots.

The lower part of the body is light gray or white, with reddish-brown stripes.