EBird describes the bird as "A fairly small owl of lowland and foothill forest and woodland.

"[3] Among the Philippine hawk-owl species complex, it is distinguished by the fine barring on its head and belly and its overall darker plumage.

[4] This species ecology has yet to be properly studied but it is pressumed to have a typical boobook diet of insects, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians and possibly even birds.

[4] The IUCN Red List classifies this bird as vulnerable with population estimates of 2,500 to 9,999 mature individuals.

There is no species-specific conservation program at present, but conservation actions proposed include more species surveys to better understand habitat and population, initiating education and awareness campaigns to raise the species' profile and instill pride in locals, and lobbying for protection of the remaining forest.