A Brown Fish-owl. It is a large owl, measuring on average between 50 and 55 centimeters in length when fully grown, with males being smaller than females, though except for size, sexes do not differ in appearance. Their upperparts are reddish brown and heavily streaked with black or dark brown, whilst the underparts are buff to whitish, with dark streaks and finer brown barring. The feet are greyish yellow.

It has prominent ear tufts, a greyish bill and yellow eyes. Its throat is a somewhat lighter buff and can be visibly puffed, whilst the facial disk is indistinct.