Lanner Falcon

Lanner falcons are powerful birds that are built for speed. They are closely related to the fastest bird on Earth, the Peregrine falcon. Lanner falcons are also very agile birds and can change direction very quickly whilst in flight.

Lanner falcons are found throughout most of Africa, in South-Eastern Europe, Turkey, and Asia Minor. They live in pairs and work together when hunting. The female uses her excellent eyesight to spot prey, whilst the male darts in for the kill. They are known for their fast and agile flying and hunt smaller birds, such as pigeons and jackdaws, as well as small mammals.

The Lanner falcon does not build a nest, but instead the female will lay her eggs in the old nests of other birds. The male will hunt for prey for both of them whilst the female fiercely protects the nest from predators.

Falcons have long been a source of inspiration for engineers. The tiny cone in a falcon’s nostril even inspired the design of the modern jet engine!