A Rare Nocturnal Encounter: Pallid Scops Owl at Al Marmoom

By Desert Wildlife | June 2025

At 1:30 AM under the stillness of the desert night, I was rewarded with a truly special sighting—a Pallid Scops Owl (Otus brucei) tucked quietly among the dense foliage at Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.

This small, cryptically colored owl is a master of camouflage, blending seamlessly into bark and branches with its mottled grey plumage and subtle streaks. Despite being present in the region, it is rarely seen due to its nocturnal and elusive nature. Its yellow eyes, alert and intense, pierced the darkness, offering a brief but unforgettable moment of connection with one of the UAE’s most secretive birds.

The Pallid Scops Owl inhabits arid landscapes, palm groves, and desert oases—environments that are increasingly fragmented. Its presence in Al Marmoom is not just a rare photographic opportunity but also a reminder of the rich, hidden biodiversity the UAE deserts still hold for those willing to look (and listen) in the quiet hours of the night.

Moments like these reinforce the value of preserving these desert ecosystems and inspire continued exploration. Nature rewards patience—and sometimes, the night brings surprises.