The Indian Scops Owl is one of the largest species of scops owls and in common with many other scops owls adults have prominent ear tufts. Its dappled brown colouration provides it with excellent camoflauge which helps it to remain hidden from predators and to prevent it from being mobbed when it is roosting during the day.

It is a common owl throughout its range inhabiting dense woodland and forests. It makes its nest in holes in trees where it lays 3-5 eggs. It is almost exlcusively nocturnal, hunting night flying insects as well as small birds and rodents.