The spotted eagle-owl frequents open or semi open forested areas with small shrubs and bushes. It is particularly fond of sparsely vegetated soils and thorny bush savannahs with scattered small trees. It can also be found in rocky hillsides covered with shrubs and scrubs. If it copes with semi-deserts, it always avoids dense forests. At dusk, spotted eagle-owls leave their diurnal resting places and reach their nocturnal perch from which they can sing and watch their preys.