Gould thought that the descriptive word ocellatum, or small 'eye-like' markings, was very appropriate for this owl with its attractive, soft, moth-like plumage. Previously it had been called Strix sinenis but this was inappropriate as it was not found in China but was common in India.
Gould quoted the ornithologist, T.C. Jerdon, who wrote: 'This very beautifully plumaged Owl is found throughout the greater part of India. It is only met with in well-wooded districts, at no great elevation... It emits a loud, harsh, dissonant hoot'.
The owl is slightly smaller than lifesize.
T.C. Jerdon, Birds of India, 1862-64, II, part 2, p.870
DISTRIBUTION: Northern and central India