The northern white-faced owl belongs to the Strigidae family.

• Ptilopsis leucotis leucotis
• Ptilopsis leucotis margarethae

It is an owl with a short tail with very obvious ear tufts. Its plumage is a soft gray with darker streaks and waves. We can see a line of white spots that descends from each side of the back. The upper parts are darker than the whitish lower portions. It has a distinct facial disc, white edged with black. The beak is pale gray, darker at the base. The eyes are red to orange. The feathered legs and feet are clear, with black claws.

It feeds on insects, small birds, rodents and small mammals.

Both sexes are similar and juvenile is brownish, with a greyish-brown facial disk.

The little White-faced Owl is widespread in suitable habitat. It is common and abundant.