Falco biarmicus
The Lanner Falcon, Falco biarmicus, is a medium-sized, striking raptor renowned for its agility and powerful flight. Adults typically measure 43-50 cm in length with a wingspan of 95-105 cm and weigh between 500-900g, exhibiting reverse sexual dimorphism where females are noticeably larger. Distinctive field marks include a slate-grey to bluish-grey back, a contrasting rufous or reddish-brown nape patch, and pale underparts that can range from unstreaked white to variably streaked, depending ...
Inhabits open dry country, semi-deserts, savannahs, and rocky hillsides, often near cliffs for nesting, from sea level up to 4000 meters.
Feeds predominantly on birds, ranging from small passerines to pigeons and doves, supplemented by small mammals, lizards, and large insects, captured through diverse aerial pursuits and ground pouncing.
Lanner Falcons are diurnal predators, active from dawn to dusk, often roosting on cliff ledges or tall trees. Their foraging strategies are highly adaptable, involving low-level pursuit flights, stooping from high perches, or even ground hunting, making them effective against a wide array of prey...
The Lanner Falcon boasts a vast and fragmented distribution across Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Southern Europe. Its primary breeding and resident range spans much of sub-Saharan Africa, extending north into arid regions of North Africa and east across the Arabian Peninsula. In Europe, s...
Least Concern
- The Lanner Falcon's name is derived from an Old French word, 'Lannier,' referring to a female falcon trained for hunting. - Unlike many raptors, they often hunt in flight at relatively low altitudes, rather than exclusively from high stoops. - This species exhibits significant variation across ...