Laggar lugger falcon: incubation period, weaning age and breeding
Laggar lugger falcon eggs hatch after 32–35 days of incubation. Chicks fledge at 35–45 days and are weaned and independent at about 70–90 days. A typical clutch is 3–4 eggs.
Breeding numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Adult weight (g) | 500-800 |
| Male weight (g) | 500-630 (few data) |
| Female weight (g) | 650-800 (few data) |
| Length (cm) | 39-46 |
| Wing chord (mm) | m 300-330, f 330-365 (approx.) |
| Clutch size | 3-4 |
| Incubation (days) | 32-35 |
| Fledging (days) | 35-45 |
| Weaning / independence (days) | 70-90 |
| Lifespan (years) | 12-18 |
| Breeding season | Wild India/Pakistan: lays Jan-April. Captive: Feb-April; bred in small numbers, also as lanner x laggar / saker x laggar crosses. |
| Sexing | Reverse size dimorphism: female ~1/3 heavier (falconers: falcon vs tiercel; Gulf: "tabaa" for the male peregrine, "qarmousha" or "wakri" for the male saker). Chicks and hybrids: DNA (feather/blood) is reliable; size alone overlaps between species and hybrids. |
| Moult | Gulf practice: moulting room ("mqeez") mid-April/May to Sept/Oct after the season; one complete moult per year, natural moult starts in the breeding season (females during incubation). |
| Quarry | Partridge, quail, pigeons, small desert birds. |
| Gulf heat tolerance | 5/5 - adapted to South Asian heat. |
| Temperament | Steady, gentle, hardy. |
| Disease prevention | Prevention: bumblefoot (perch surfaces), frounce & herpesvirus (no wild pigeons), sour crop (don't overfeed), coccidiosis/worms (routine faecal checks), avian pox (mosquito control/vaccine). Small species chill and lose condition fast - weigh daily. Vet for treatment. |
| Identification features | Dark brown back, rufous crown, strong dark moustache, dark 'trousers' (thighs) and dark flanks diagnostic; juvenile almost wholly dark below. |
Origin: Indian subcontinent — Scientific name: Falco jugger
Size: 39-46 cm, 500-800 g
Breeding and care tips
Small Indian/Pakistani hierofalcon, calm and heat-hardy; sometimes crossed with lanner and saker. Used as a decoy to trap large falcons in its range; declining in the wild.
Description
Dark brown above, brown crown, clear moustache and dark-streaked belly.
Need the exact date? Use the egg hatch calculator and the weaning age chart.
Related species
Frequently asked questions
How long do Laggar lugger falcon eggs take to hatch?
Laggar lugger falcon eggs hatch after 32-35 days of incubation.
How many eggs does a Laggar lugger falcon lay?
Usually 3-4 eggs per clutch.
When do Laggar lugger falcon chicks leave the nest?
Chicks fledge at about 35-45 days old.
When are Laggar lugger falcon chicks weaned?
They are weaned and independent at about 70-90 days.
What is the Laggar lugger falcon breeding season?
Wild India/Pakistan: lays Jan-April. Captive: Feb-April; bred in small numbers, also as lanner x laggar / saker x laggar crosses.
How do you tell a male Laggar lugger falcon from a female?
Reverse size dimorphism: female ~1/3 heavier (falconers: falcon vs tiercel; Gulf: "tabaa" for the male peregrine, "qarmousha" or "wakri" for the male saker). Chicks and hybrids: DNA (feather/blood) is reliable; size alone overlaps between species and hybrids.
How long does a Laggar lugger falcon live?
About 12-18 years with good care.