Fraser's eagle-owl is a species of African owl in the family Strigidae. It is named after the British zoologist Louis Fraser.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill tropical rainforests from Sierra Leone and Liberia east through Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, and into Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea (including Bioko), Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Prefers dense primary forest but also uses mature secondary forest, forest edges, and riverine forest. Often associated with areas that have large emergent trees for roosting and nesting. It is generally scarce and local, and easily overlooked due to its nocturnal habits.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Fraser's eagle-owl is a forest-dwelling owl of West and Central Africa in the family Strigidae. It is named after the British zoologist Louis Fraser, and its species epithet poensis refers to Bioko Island (formerly Fernando Pó), where it was early recorded. Secretive and nocturnal, it is most often detected by its deep, booming calls at night.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short, powerful, silent wingbeats with brief glides through forest gaps
Social Behavior
Typically encountered alone or in pairs. Forms monogamous pairs that maintain territories year-round. Nests high in large trees, likely using cavities or old stick nests; roosts by day in dense foliage close to the trunk.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A deep, booming series of hoots given in rhythmic phrases, often as a duet between mates. Calls carry far in still nighttime forest and may include gruff barks and low grunts in addition to classic hoots.
