Common name: Pallid Scops Owl
Scientific name: Otus brucei
Family: Strigidae

Size:
Body length: 19–21 cm
Wingspan: 50–55 cm
Weight: 80–120 g

Identification:
A small, compact owl with short ear tufts and excellent camouflage. Plumage is pale grey to sandy-brown with fine streaking and mottling, blending perfectly with tree bark. The eyes are yellow, and the facial disc is subtle and softly defined. Compared to other scops owls, it appears paler and less contrasting.

Habitat:
Open woodlands, plantations, farms, gardens, and areas with scattered trees. Often associated with human-modified landscapes.

Status in the UAE:
Common resident and breeder. Widespread in suitable habitats across the country.

Diet:
Carnivorous — feeds mainly on insects and other small invertebrates, occasionally small vertebrates.

Behavior:
Nocturnal and highly cryptic. During the day, roosts motionless against tree trunks, relying on camouflage. Active at night, hunting insects by short flights from perches. Known for its repetitive, soft whistling call. Often overlooked despite being common.

Conservation status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)