The Brown Wood Owl has light chestnut-brown upper-parts barred with dark brown and some white. It's crown is dark brown and the facial disk whitish or light rufous with dark rings around the eyes. The chest is brown becoming paler towards belly with fine dark barring.

This species prefers to nest in tree cavities, caves, and sometimes on cliff ledges. It is very nocturnal but can sometimes be seens roosting during the day on tree branches, often given away by other birds mobbing it.

The female will lays two eggs which she will incubate for 30 - 33 days before they hatch.