Lanner Falcon

Identification

The lanner falcon is a large falcon measuring 43–50 cm in length with a wingspan of 95–105 cm. European birds (subspecies feldeggii) display slate grey or brown-grey upperparts with a distinctive reddish back to the head and streaked breast, resembling greyish saker falcons but with clearer head-side patterns. Most African subspecies are paler blue-grey above. Young birds are browner and resemble saker falcons even more closely, though sakers have a lighter crown and less distinct head markings. Sexes are similar in appearance. The lanner's call is a harsh "wray-e".

Range & Habitat

The lanner falcon breeds across Africa, southeast Europe and into Asia, with five recognized subspecies distributed from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and southern Kenya south to South Africa, and from Italy and northwestern Africa east to Turkey, Azerbaijan, northwestern Iran, Arabia, Israel and Iraq. The species is predominantly resident, though some birds disperse more widely after breeding season in response to seasonal rains and altitudes.

Lanner falcons prefer open habitats ranging from forest edges to deserts, though they are most commonly found in open savannah and sour grasslands. In South Africa, they inhabit grasslands in the east and move into the Fynbos, Nama Karoo and Southern Kalahari during the non-breeding season. Lanner falcon numbers are strongly and steadily declining in Europe and North Africa, though the species remains relatively common in parts of Africa.

Behaviour & Diet

Lanner falcons most commonly prey on other birds, including doves, pigeons and domestic fowl, but also hunt small mammals, reptiles and invertebrates. In Africa and Israel, they have been observed hunting bats. Unlike peregrine falcons, which stoop from a height, lanners typically hunt by horizontal pursuit, though they employ multiple hunting styles including stooping after soaring, attacking from a perch, low coursing flight and aerial attacks. They exhibit cooperative hunting with high success rates, particularly when hunting jackdaws using visual contact to coordinate the chase. Males usually make the initial attack, but females typically catch the prey.

Before breeding season, both sexes show synchronized mutual soaring and flapping flight from April to June, and pairs power-dive together near nesting sites. Females usually moult from September to January after nesting, while males moult from November to May once chicks can hunt themselves. After eggs fledge, the female predominantly stays with and feeds the juveniles.

Best Time & Places to See It

Lanner falcons are best observed in open savannah and grassland habitats across Africa, where the species remains relatively common in many regions. In South Africa, the eastern grasslands offer the best viewing opportunities during breeding season at higher elevations, with additional sightings possible in the Fynbos, Nama Karoo and Southern Kalahari during non-breeding months. The Degua Tembien mountains of Ethiopia are known to support populations. April to June is particularly rewarding for observing breeding displays, including synchronized soaring and power-diving displays between pairs.

Photography Tips

Photograph lanner falcons in open habitats where their hunting pursuits are clearly visible against open sky and grassland. The species' distinctive reddish head markings and grey upperparts are best captured in bright daylight. Action photography should focus on horizontal pursuit hunting sequences rather than high-altitude stoops, as this is the lanner's characteristic hunting style. Cooperative hunting scenes, particularly coordinated pursuits of jackdaws, offer dynamic opportunities. Early morning during the April to June breeding season provides the best chances to photograph synchronized flight displays and power-diving behavior between pairs near nesting sites.