Species Profile
Lanner Falcon
Falco biarmicus
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
10–15 years
Length
43–50 cm
Weight
500–900 g
Wingspan
95–105 cm
Migration
Partial migrant
Also known as: Lanner
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Appearance
The Lanner Falcon is a medium-sized raptor with a sleek, streamlined body. It features a brown-grey back, pale underparts with dark spotting, and a distinctive 'moustache' marking on its face. The wings are long and pointed, ideal for high-speed flight.
Females are noticeably larger and heavier than males, with darker overall plumage. Juveniles have a more streaked appearance, with brownish upperparts and heavily marked underparts. The distinctive facial pattern develops as they mature.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Yellow
Female Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Yellow
Male Markings
Dark streaks on chest, large black 'moustache'. Females are generally darker than males, and usually around 20% larger.
Tail: Long, grey, rounded at end
Female Markings
Larger and heavier than males, with darker plumage
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Lanner Falcons inhabit a wide range of open and semi-open environments, including savannas, steppes, and mountainous regions. They are found across Africa, parts of southern Europe, and the Middle East, adapting to diverse landscapes from sea level to high altitudes.
In Europe, they are most commonly seen in Italy and Greece. There are occasional sightings in the UK, typically involving escaped falconry birds rather than wild populations.
Distribution
Diet
Lanner Falcons primarily hunt birds, ranging from small passerines to medium-sized species like pigeons and waterfowl. They also prey on bats, rodents, and large insects.
These falcons often hunt in pairs, with one bird flushing prey while the other makes the capture, demonstrating their adaptability and cooperative hunting skills.
Behaviour
Lanner Falcons are known for their agile and swift flight, often performing spectacular aerial displays during courtship. They hunt with impressive speed and agility, pursuing prey in level flight or stooping from great heights.
These falcons are generally solitary but may form loose pairs or small family groups outside the breeding season.
Calls & Sounds
Lanner Falcons have a range of vocalisations, with the most common being a sharp, repetitive 'kak-kak-kak' or 'kek-kek-kek'.
During courtship and territorial displays, they may produce a softer, more musical 'wichew' call. Their vocalisations are generally less frequent and less varied than other falcon species.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding pairs of Lanner Falcons form strong, often lifelong bonds. The breeding season varies by region but typically occurs between February and June. These falcons do not build their own nests, instead utilising cliff ledges, old nests of other large birds, or occasionally man-made structures.
Females usually lay 3-4 eggs, which are creamy-white with reddish-brown spots. The eggs are incubated primarily by the female for about 32-35 days while the male provides food.
Chicks fledge after 40-45 days but remain dependent on their parents for several weeks, gradually developing their hunting skills before becoming fully independent.
Conservation
While listed as Least Concern globally, Lanner Falcon populations face localised threats. Habitat loss, pesticide use, and illegal falconry trade impact some populations.
Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and reducing human-wildlife conflicts, particularly in areas where the species is declining.
Population
Estimated: 67,000 - 670,000 mature individuals[2]
Trend: Decreasing[3]
Population slightly decreasing, due to hunting
Elevation
Up to 2,500 meters
Additional Details
- Egg size:
- 5cm x 4cm
- Predators:
- Adult Lanner Falcons have few natural predators due to their size and flying ability. However, eggs and chicks may fall prey to large birds of prey, corvids, and climbing mammals.
- Alarm calls:
- Sharp, repeated 'kee-kee-kee' when threatened
- Breeding age:
- 2
- Maturity age:
- 1
- Feeding times:
- Dawn and late afternoon
- Major threats:
- Habitat loss, hunting
- Parental care:
- Both parents care for young, female does most of incubation
- Primary calls:
- High pitched 'klee-klee-klee'
- Social habits:
- Solitary or in pairs during breeding season
- Egg appearance:
- Creamy white with brown spots
- Feeding habits:
- Hunts from high vantage point, chasing prey in flight
- Breeding season:
- 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.
- Diet variations:
- Will eat other birds and small mammals if needed
- Fledging period:
- 1 to 3 months
- Average lifespan:
- 15
- Call description:
- High, repeated, fast and slightly descending
- Daily activities:
- Active during the day, hunts in morning and late afternoon
- Nesting location:
- Cliffs, trees, sometimes uses old nests of other large birds
- Number of broods:
- One
- Incubation period:
- 32 days
- Nest construction:
- Simple platform of sticks
- Migration patterns:
- Non-migratory
- Migratory patterns:
- Non-migratory, but may travel for food
- Age related changes:
- Older birds may show more grey in plumage
- Prey capture method:
- Swoops and captures with talons
- Conservation efforts:
- Protected in many areas, some captive breeding
- Territorial behavior:
- Defends nest site aggressively
- Reproductive behavior:
- Monogamous, returns to same nesting site
- Special dietary needs:
- None known
- Clutch characteristics:
- 2-5 eggs, but usually 3-4 eggs
- Interaction with other species:
- Aggressive towards other birds, especially in defense of nest
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Lanner Falcons soaring over open landscapes or perched on high vantage points.
- Listen for their sharp, repeated 'kak-kak-kak' calls, especially during breeding season.
- Observe their distinctive hunting behaviour, which often involves fast, low flights over open ground.
- In areas where they overlap with Peregrine Falcons, note the Lanner's slightly larger size and more rufous crown.
Did You Know?
- Lanner Falcons can reach speeds of up to 180 km/h (112 mph) when diving for prey.
- They have been used in falconry for centuries, prized for their versatility in hunting various game birds.
- Unlike many raptors, Lanner Falcons sometimes hunt cooperatively in pairs, increasing their success rate.
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