Lanner falcon: incubation period, weaning age and breeding
Lanner falcon eggs hatch after 32–35 days of incubation. Chicks fledge at 44–46 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) | 430-900 |
| Male weight (g) | 430-600 |
| Female weight (g) | 700-900 |
| Length (cm) | 43-50 |
| Wing chord (mm) | m 300-335, f 335-375 (feldeggii) |
| Clutch size | 3-4 |
| Incubation (days) | 32-35 |
| Fledging (days) | 44-46 |
| Weaning / independence (days) | 70-90 |
| Lifespan (years) | 15-20 |
| Breeding season | Wild N. Africa/Middle East: lays Feb-April. Captive: Feb-April; bred pure and as 'perilanner' (peregrine x lanner). |
| 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, pigeons, sandgrouse, small birds; good lure/display bird. |
| Gulf heat tolerance | 5/5 - native to hot dry country. |
| Temperament | Calm, forgiving, easily trained; recommended first falcon in hot countries. |
| 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 | Rufous/reddish crown and nape (diagnostic), thin clear moustache, pale cheeks, blue-grey (adult) back, lightly spotted underparts; juvenile brown, heavily streaked - very saker-like but crown still rufous-tinged and moustache clearer. |
Origin: Africa, the Middle East and southern Europe — Scientific name: Falco biarmicus
Size: Male 430-600 g, female 700-900 g
Breeding and care tips
Its formal Arabic name is 'al-saqr al-wakri' (but in Qatari/Saudi falconer usage 'wakri' means a male saker - beware the clash). Distinct rufous crown; calm, easy to train, heat-tolerant; common in North Africa and Egypt.
Description
Rufous crown, thin moustache and a lighter build than the saker.
Need the exact date? Use the egg hatch calculator and the weaning age chart.
Related species
- Gyrfalcon
- Saker falcon
- Peregrine falcon
- Barbary falcon
- Laggar lugger falcon
- Prairie falcon
- Aplomado falcon
- Merlin
Frequently asked questions
How long do Lanner falcon eggs take to hatch?
Lanner falcon eggs hatch after 32-35 days of incubation.
How many eggs does a Lanner falcon lay?
Usually 3-4 eggs per clutch.
When do Lanner falcon chicks leave the nest?
Chicks fledge at about 44-46 days old.
When are Lanner falcon chicks weaned?
They are weaned and independent at about 70-90 days.
What is the Lanner falcon breeding season?
Wild N. Africa/Middle East: lays Feb-April. Captive: Feb-April; bred pure and as 'perilanner' (peregrine x lanner).
How do you tell a male Lanner 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 Lanner falcon live?
About 15-20 years with good care.