This owl does not have ear tufts and has the largest "facial disc" of any raptor. However, much of its size is deceptive, since this species' fluffy feathers, long tail and large head obscure a body lighter than that of most other large owls.

They have excellent hearing, and can locate and capture prey moving beneath 60 cm (2 feet) of snow in a series of tunnels, solely with that sense. They can crash through snow that could support the weight of a 180 pound person to catch their prey.