This species frequents semi-open areas with trees and bushes, including cultivation, palm groves, orchards, riverine woodland as well as parks and large gardens in towns. It generally prefers more arid areas than Otus scops. Pairing begins on arrival at breeding areas, normally in March with laying occurring April to May. The nest is built 3–6.5 m above ground in a hollow tree or old woodpecker hole. It often favours Poplar (Populus), Willow (Salix) or Mulberry (Morus) but also uses cavities in banks, walls, cliffs or buildings as well as nest boxes. Clutch size is four to six eggs. It feeds on insects, spiders, small mammals, birds and lizards, depending on availability. It hunts from a perch, dropping down to take prey from branches or the ground. Also known to pursue and catch aerial prey such as bats and moths. The species is resident and migratory. In Europe, it is most likely a summer visitor to Turkey arriving late March or April and leaving in September or October (Holt et al. 1999).

The species has a predominantly Asian and Middle Eastern distribution, which just extends into Europe in south-eastern Turkey (Holt et al. 1999), which holds the entire European population. While there is a subpopulation in Israel (see BirdLife International 2021a) this falls outside of the Mediterranean hotspot boundary, and so the population at the Syrian-Turkish border represents that of the Mediterranean region.

Conservation Actions Underway
Bern Convention Appendix II. CITES Appendix II. There are no known conservation measures specifically targeting this species.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Develop research into the species's range, ecology, habitat requirements and movements to inform future conservation work. In particular, investigate potential threats and assess the impacts of pesticide use on the species. Legal protection of the species and key sites is needed, as well as the development and implementation of Regional Recovery Plans.