The Madagascar owl is similar in appearance to the Holarctic long-eared owl in that it sits tall and at rest shows prominent ear tufts. The plumage is mainly brown with darker streaks and bars. It has distinctive bright orange eyes.
The Madagascar owl shares characteristics with the Holarctic long-eared owl, including their upright posture at rest, prominent ear tufts, brown plumage with darker streaks and bars, and distinctive bright orange eyes.