Falco biarmicus
Least Concern
The Lanner Falcon, a striking bird of prey, graces the open lands of Africa and parts of Europe and Asia with its swift and agile presence. Known for its grey plumage, distinctive black facial markings, and powerful hunting prowess, this falcon is a marvel in the skies. Its fascinating behavior, from the high-pitched calls to the impressive swooping attacks on its prey, makes the Lanner Falcon a captivating sight in its native habitats.
Males and females have similar plumage
Grey
White, Brown
Dark Grey
Hooked
Yellow
Yellow
Dark streaks on chest, large black 'moustache'. Females are generally darker than males, and usually around 20% larger.
Long, grey, rounded at end
39cm to 48cm
Length
88cm to 113cm
Wingspan
430g to 9kg
Weight
Click on an image below to see the full-size version
Lanner Falcon in-flight hunting
Lanner Falcon about to land
Lanner Falcon standing on top of a rock
Lanner Falcon coming in to land
Lanner Falcon in natural habitat
Portrait of a Lanner Falcon
High pitched 'klee-klee-klee'
High, repeated, fast and slightly descending
Sharp, repeated 'kee-kee-kee' when threatened
Active during the day, hunts in morning and late afternoon
Solitary or in pairs during breeding season
Defends nest site aggressively
Non-migratory
Aggressive towards other birds, especially in defense of nest
Pigeons, Doves, Quails, Rodents, Insects, Spiders, Bats, Lizards
Hunts from high vantage point, chasing prey in flight
Dawn and late afternoon
Swoops and captures with talons
Will eat other birds and small mammals if needed
None known
Cliffs, trees, sometimes uses old nests of other large birds
Simple platform of sticks
Depends on range. Southern Europe range is Feb to May, North Africa Jan to March, June to Nov in Central and Eastern Africa, and July to August in South Africa.
One
Creamy white with brown spots
5cm x 4cm
2-5 eggs, but usually 3-4 eggs
32 days
1 to 3 months
Both parents care for young, female does most of incubation
Africa, southeast Europe and just into Asia
Open country, semi-desert, savannahs, usually near cliffs for nesting
Sea level to 2500 meters
Non-migratory
Desert, Savannah
Temperate, Tropical
Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.
Resident or Present
Non-breeding
Passage
Vagrant
5
17
15 year(s)
1 year(s)
2 year(s)
Monogamous, returns to same nesting site
Older birds may show more grey in plumage
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)
Habitat loss, hunting
Protected in many areas, some captive breeding
Population slightly decreasing, due to hunting
Other names:
African Lanner Falcon
Family:
FalconidaePopulation size:
670,000
Population trend:
Decreasing
Conservation status:
Least Concern
IUCN Red List
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