Shelley's eagle-owl is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. Despite its large size, it is a very little-known, rarely studied owl that occurs in very small numbers. A specimen was photographed in the wild for the first time on 16 October 2021 in the Atewa Range Forest Reserve in southeastern Ghana.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Primarily inhabits mature evergreen and semi-deciduous lowland rainforest, including riverine and gallery forests. Favors large tracts of intact canopy with tall emergent trees for roosting and nesting, but may use adjacent secondary forest where structure remains complex. Often hunts along forest edges, clearings, and over streams where prey is more easily detected. Its presence is closely tied to undisturbed forest, making it sensitive to logging and fragmentation.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Shelley's eagle-owl is one of Africa's least-known large owls, inhabiting dense lowland rainforests and rarely seen. A confirmed wild photograph was only obtained in 2021 in Ghana, underscoring how elusive it is. It is often detected by its deep, resonant hoots rather than by sight, and can be confused with other forest eagle-owls without careful views. Ongoing deforestation in West and Central Africa is a key concern for this species.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
powerful and silent with broad, rounded wings; short glides between strong wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Likely monogamous with pairs maintaining sizable forest territories. Nests are believed to be in large tree cavities or occasionally on old platform nests in tall canopy trees; roosts by day in dense foliage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Deep, booming hoots delivered singly or in a spaced series that carries far through forest. Pairs may duet with alternating low notes. Calls are most frequent at dusk and pre-dawn.
Plumage
Large, dark owl with heavy, dense plumage; overall chocolate-brown to dusky with fine buff barring and mottling. Broad facial disk with darker surrounds and a contrasting pale throat patch; prominent ear tufts. Underparts barred and mottled; wings and back appear darker with lighter speckling.
Diet
Predominantly preys on small to medium-sized mammals such as rodents and bats, as well as birds, reptiles, and large insects. Hunts from concealed perches, dropping silently onto prey detected by sound and movement. Will take prey along forest edges, over streams, and in canopy gaps where visibility improves. Powerful talons and bill allow dispatching relatively large prey for its size.
Preferred Environment
Forages within dense primary and mature secondary rainforest, often along watercourses and at forest margins. Uses elevated perches on large branches to scan for prey and may exploit natural light gaps or moonlit openings.
