the indian scops owl is a small (23–25 cm) owl, although it is one of the largest of the scops owls. like other scops owls, it has small head tufts, or "ears". the upperparts are grey or brown, depending on the morph, with faint buff spotting. the underparts are buff with fine darker streaking. the facial disc is whitish or buff, and the eyes are orange or brown. there is a buff neckband. sexes are similar. the flight is deeply undulating.