The New Ireland boobook (Ninox variegata), also known as the Bismarck hawk-owl, is a species of small to medium-sized owl measuring 25 to 30 cm (9.8 to 11.8 in) in length. It is a dark rufous-brown above, with barred scapular feathers and variable amounts of spotting or barring on the wings and tail. Its underparts are whitish, with an unmarked pale throat, a dark barred upper breast and barring on the remainder of the underparts. Its face is dark brown, its eyes are brown or yellow, and its bill and legs are yellow. It is short-tailed and has heavy tarsi (the part of the leg above what is commonly referred to as the foot).