The pallid scops owl ranges from the Middle East to west and central Asia, with some populations migrating as far as the Arabian Peninsula, Egypt, and Pakistan in the winter.

[3] in 2015, a new population of over 400 pairs was found in the Rift Valley, Israel and in 2016 more pairs and nests were found in Jordan (east to the Jordan River), all nesting in palm plantations.

Primarily an insectivore, the pallid scops owl's diet includes insects, lizards, spiders, and small mammals.

[5] Breeding takes place any time between April and June, where 4 to 6 eggs are laid in a tree cavity, such as a woodpecker hole.

The pallid scops owl's call is a series of low, hollow, dove-like notes.