The akun eagle-owl is a species of owl in the family Strigidae and is native to the African tropical rainforest.
Region
West and Central African rainforests
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Upper Guinea forests of West Africa through southern Nigeria and Cameroon to Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Congo, and western Democratic Republic of the Congo. It favors primary and mature secondary lowland evergreen forest, swamp forest, and riverine/gallery forest. Often found along forest edges, clearings, and near waterways where large insects are abundant. It avoids open savanna and highly degraded habitats but may persist in well-wooded secondary growth.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Akun eagle-owl is unusual among eagle-owls for feeding largely on insects rather than mammals. It inhabits lowland African rainforests and is often detected by its soft, deep hoots given in duets at night. A distinctive feature is its pale facial disc and pinkish eyelids, which can be seen at close range. It typically roosts quietly in dense foliage during the day.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
silent, buoyant flight with deep wingbeats through forest
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, roosting in dense foliage by day. Pairs are likely monogamous and maintain territories year-round. Nests are believed to be placed in tree cavities or old stick nests high in the canopy, with both adults attending the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are soft, low-pitched hoots given in spaced series, often as male–female duets. Additional notes include soft gruffs and bill-clicking when agitated.
