Today’s Picture: Lanner Falcon

Photo Details: Close-up of Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus) with its head in profile, African Bird of Prey Sanctuary, Ashburton, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Camera: Canon EOS 450D Digital; Lens: Canon EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM; Focal Length: 300mm; Shutter speed: 1/800; Aperture: f8; ISO: 400.

Additional Info: The Lanner falcon is widespread in southern Africa, found mainly in wooded areas of the African bushveld. Standing about 48cm (19″) tall and weighing around 700gm (1lb 8oz), it has a brown head, brown eyes, grey bill, while the throat and chest are pale, ranging from creamy white to buff.

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.