Lanner Falcon
Scientific Name: Falco Biarmicus Afrikaans Name: Edelvalk Zulu Name: uHeshe
Lanners are the most common resident falcons found in southern Africa and typically show a red head in adulthood. They nest on cliff faces and the male will bring food and bow to the female in courtship. There is a marked size difference between the sexes? In the raptor world females are larger than males – this is called reverse sexual dimorphism. Lanner Falcons are listed as a ‘ threatened’ species in the RED DATA BOOK.
The Lanner Falcons on display in the Honeycomb Habitats are called Solo and Cirrus. Solo was removed illegally from the nest as a chick. He was confiscated and arrived at the Sanctuary mal-nourished, weak and with his feathers in a shocking state. As a semi-imprint he was non-releaseable and is joined by Cirrus a captive-bred female. In 2011 they laid eggs but didn’t raise any chicks. In 2012 they successfully raised two chicks