Laggar falcon

The laggar falcon, also known as the lugger falcon or jugger, is a mid-sized bird of prey which occurs in the Indian subcontinent from extreme southeastern Iran, southeastern Afghanistan, Pakistan, through India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and northwestern Myanmar.

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Distribution

Region

Indian Subcontinent

Typical Environment

Occurs from southeastern Iran and Afghanistan through Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and into northwestern Myanmar. Prefers semi-arid plains, scrublands, open woodland edges, and farmlands with scattered trees. Frequently hunts along field margins, dry riverbeds, and around human settlements. It uses cliffs, rocky outcrops, tall trees, and utility structures for perching and nesting. Local movements follow prey availability and seasonal conditions.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1500 m

Climate Zone

Arid

Characteristics

Size40–46 cm

Wing Span95–110 cm

Male Weight0.6 kg

Female Weight0.85 kg

Life Expectancy12 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

Also called the lugger falcon or jugger, this medium-sized falcon favors open, arid landscapes and agricultural mosaics across the Indian subcontinent. Its population has declined in parts of its range due to pesticide use, electrocution on power lines, habitat degradation, and trapping. It is sometimes confused with the lanner falcon; the laggar is generally darker with a weaker moustachial stripe. It often uses cliffs, pylons, or old nests of other raptors and corvids for breeding.

Gallery

Laggar falcon juvenile in flight. Juvenile laggars are brown birds overall, very similar to juvenile saker falcons Falco cherrug. Markings on underparts vary from dark chocolaty brown to sparse brown blotches.

Juvenile laggar falcon

Classic plumage of an adult laggar falcon, with very plain whitish underparts, thin dark contrasting moustachial stripe, slight reddish head and bluish-gray upperparts. Bare parts darker yellow.

Laggar falcon pair. The darker-headed one on the left is an adult male and the paler-headed one is an adult female. Such variations are not unusual.

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

strong flier with rapid wingbeats interspersed with short glides

Social Behavior

Typically seen alone or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Monogamous pairs nest on cliffs, pylons, or in old stick nests of other birds, laying 3–4 eggs. Adults defend nesting territories vigorously and often reuse sites. Juveniles disperse widely after fledging.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Generally quiet away from the nest, but becomes vocal near breeding sites. Calls include harsh kek-kek-kek notes and sharp chattering alarms. Vocalizations are most frequent during pair bonding and territorial disputes.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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