It was previously known as a subspecies of the Philippine hawk-owl, but was reclassified in 2012, as voice and other evidence suggested it a distinct species.

EBird describes the bird as "A fairly small owl of lowland forest on Mindanao.

Among the species complex, this owl is differentiated by its call which sounds closer to a dove than the typical screeching of the boobooks.

It also has smaller size and mottled dark and light rufous brown streaking on its breast and whitish belly.

initiate education and awareness campaigns to raise the species's profile and instill pride in locals.