Lanner Falcon, Close-up

Caption: Close-up of Lanner Falcon with its head in profile, African Bird of Prey Sanctuary, Ashburton, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. © Scotch Macaskill

The Lanner falcon (Falco biarmicus) is widespread in southern Africa, found mainly in wooded areas of the African bushveld.

Standing about 48 cm (19 in) tall and weighing around 700 gm (1 lb 8 oz), it has a brown head, brown eyes, grey bill, while the throat and chest are pale, ranging from creamy white to buff (as in the picture above).

The Lanner feeds on smaller birds and insects such as butterflies, locusts, and bees. It is deadly in the air and will attack smaller birds in flight, using its claws to the break the victim's neck.

Lanner falcons are monogamous, living and breeding with one partner for life. They nest high within the forest canopy, where the female lays from one to five eggs.

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