Lanner Falcon

Falco biarmicus

The lanner falcon, Falco biarmicus, is a medium to large falcon of open country across much of Africa, with additional populations around the Mediterranean, Arabia, and parts of the Middle East. It has long pointed wings, a relatively long tail, a dark facial stripe, and a pale or rufous crown and nape that vary by region. Lanners hunt birds, bats, insects, and small mammals, often using fast pursuit rather than the high vertical stoops associated with peregrines. They nest on cliffs, ledges, and sometimes old stick nests in arid or lightly wooded landscapes.

Falconers have flown lanners for centuries, and modern birds in private hands are usually captive bred under permit rather than taken from the wild. A suitable setup includes a secure mews, weathering area, bathing water, whole-prey diet, daily weight management, and equipment sized for a powerful but relatively agile falcon. They are not casual aviary birds; training, transport, and hunting require experience and legal compliance. Conservation and rehabilitation work may involve nest monitoring, treatment of injured birds, and reducing risks from illegal trapping, electrocution, and disturbance. Where hybrids are bred for falconry, clear documentation helps prevent confusion with pure lanner falcons.