Systematics

Order: Falconiformes
Suborder: Falcones
Family: Falconidae
Italian subspecies:
- Falco biarmicus feldeggii Schlegel, 1843

Geographical distribution

Polytypic species, distributed in south-eastern Europe, the Middle East and the Ethiopian Region, with the exception of western Africa. Four subspecies are generally recognised, but only Falco biarmicus feldeggii is present in Europe and Italy. The Italian distribution range extends from the Modena Apennines to Sicily; the species is absent from Sardinia and the small islands.

Origin and size of the Italian populations

The population of peninsular Italy occupies the extreme northern limit of the world distribution range, which determines normal fluctuations of its dynamics. In Sicily, which hosts more than half of the entire Italian population, there seems to be increased demographic stability. Recent estimates of the Italian population are between 170 and 200 breeding pairs. However, in view of the Lanner’s elusiveness and the lack of a homogeneous network of observers, these values should be considered with much caution.

Seasonal phenology

Resident breeder. The adult portion of the population is strongly sedentary, while juveniles can perform significant erratic and dispersal movements. The strong flow of individuals (mainly juveniles) into the Apulian plains in winter, indicated in the first few decades of the 1900s by numerous captures, ceased a long time ago. The reproductive phenology is characterised by strong variability, seemingly independent of the latitude. Eggs are laid between the end of January and the end of March and fledging takes place between the beginning of April and the beginning of June. The eggs, usually 3-4, are incubated for 28-35 days and the chicks are fledged 44-46 days after hatching. Adults have a complete annual moult in the post-breeding period, from May to October.

Habitat

In Italy, the Lanner nests on inland rock cliffs, sometimes small and often with a chalky or friable sandy substrate. The nest is built in crevices and on ledges, or in old nests of other birds (Raven, Buzzard, etc.). On rare occasions, nests have been observed in trees. Nests are usually found between 50 and 700 m a.s.l., almost never above 1,000 m. When hunting, it frequents open hilly areas, particularly xeric meadows and steppe habitats.

Conservation

The Lanner is generally considered to be threatened in Europe (SPEC 3: endangered). Italy hosts around 70% of the European population and thus can play a key role in its conservation. The factors that limit the Italian populations are poorly known; the rhythm of breeding site occupation and, at least in part, the reproductive success could be affected by climatic factors and competition with other species whose niches partially overlap (Peregrine). Moreover, changing land use by man, with the reduction of pasturing and extensive agriculture and the consequent increase of wooded areas, could influence the future conservation status of the species. Careful monitoring of local populations and the study of factors regulating their dynamics are essential for the establishment of an effective conservation policy.