This owl lives in New Britain's tropical forests. Its plumage ranges from pale gold to rufous, and its facial disc has a finely speckled rim.
Its facial disc is yellowish brown with fine reddish speckles along the rim. The back is darker than the face and underparts.
It eats small rodents. Other small vertebrates and insects are considered possible prey, but records are limited.
IUCN Red List · Vulnerable (VU) · Global