Pallid Harriers are winter migrants to the Indian Subcontinent. They breed in southern parts of eastern Europe and central Asia. The species has a habitat preference includes steppes, wet grassland, agricultural areas and other open spaces.
Pallid Harriers are fairly similar to Hen and Montagu's Harriers. The female has a pale belly and a highly defined facial pattern compared to their Mongatgu counterparts. Juveniles are rufous colored but have darker faces than the pale faces of the Montangu's Harrier. Montangu males distinguish themselves from their Pallid Counterparts through their blue-grey plumage and dark black markings. Pallid males have a pale and white-grey plumage.