An owl known only from Malaita Island in the Solomon Islands. A 2018 survey recorded a young bird that may indicate recent breeding.
It is dark brown overall, with narrow pale bars below and dark eyes.
A 2018 survey in East Kwaio noted one young owl recently found on the ground in a village and said it could indicate recent breeding. The survey did not target owls, so abundance and frequency are unknown.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.