The Bedford Estates, London
Overview
The lanner falcon is one of the larger members of the falcon family. They are powerful birds of prey, with long pointed wings and short tails.
All about us
| Distribution: | Africa, the Middle East and Mediterranean |
|---|---|
| Habitat: | Flat, dry areas near sea level and forested mountains |
| Height: | 35 - 50cm in length |
| Weight: | 500 - 900g |
| Lifespan: | Up to 15 years |
| Threats: | Egg collection, pesticide poisoning, accidental electrocution, and human disturbance |
About us
Scientific name: Falco biarmicus
The falcon family contains some of the fastest birds in the world, and just like them the lanner is a fast and agile flyer, reaching high speeds when diving, and flying horizontally. Their scientific name comes from the Latin ‘falcis’ meaning sickle shaped, referring to either its long curved talons, or possibly its wing shape, and the Latin ‘biarmicus’ translated as ‘Being twice armed’, referring to the sharp notch in the beak, known as the tomial tooth, which all falcons have, as an extra tool to help kill their prey.
