Pallid Scops-Owl
NamePallid Scops-Owl
Common NamePallid Scops-Owl
Scientific NameOtus brucei
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)58
Length (cm)21
Weight (g)100
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is generally pale grey-brown or sandy-grey, finely vermiculated and streaked with darker grey and brown, providing excellent camouflage. It has faint facial discs, pale eyebrows, and bright yellow eyes, with small, often inconspicuous ear tufts.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a distinctive, monotonous, soft, hooting 'hoo' or 'hoop' repeated at regular intervals, often described as a single, short, low-pitched note.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban, desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound from the Middle East (Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Arabian Peninsula) eastward through Central Asia (Afghanistan, Pakistan, parts of India) to western China.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Pale, grey-brown cryptic plumage, Bright yellow eyes, Faint facial discs, Small or inconspicuous ear tufts, Monotonous hooting call
Description
This small, nocturnal owl is characterized by its pale, cryptic plumage, allowing it to blend seamlessly with tree bark. It is an insectivorous hunter, active at night, and often found in arid and semi-arid regions.
