Inhabitant of forests from the Himalayas to Indochina. Fairly uncommon and small, with the size of a sparrow. It is a social species that is often best seen in family groups on dead branches on top of the canopy, as I have seen them in Vietnam.

Found in lowland and foothill forests of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo. As other falconets, it is a small-sized uncommon raptor which often forages in small groups. I have observed this species in Peninsular Malaysia.

Long-distance migrant that breeds early in the season in croplands and steppe of the Mediterranean basin east to Mongolia and spends the winter in southern Africa. It usually hovers for insects in grasslands in large parties and nests in colonies on human-made buildings. This species became once extinct in Alicante, but an ongoing reintroduction project helped it recently re-establish as a regular breeder in a few locations.

Endemic to Madagascar and Aldabra Islands, where it is an abundant and widespread inhabitant of all kinds of habitats, including urban areas. Each island has its own, distinct form. The species features two morphs: one with rufous underparts and one with white. I have observed this species in Madagascar.

Widespread and abundant all across the Palearctic, where it is found in a variety of habitats. Best known for its ability to hover in the air to stalk on preys, as it is typical of kestrels. Migratory in part of its range, albeit there are resident, endemic forms to the Macaronesian archipelagos. This species is an abundant resident in Alicante and a summer visitor in Helsinki.

Breeding in the northern Nearctic and Western Palearctic, migrating south to northern South America in the New World and the Mediterranean Basin, Caspian Sea and eastern China in the Old World. Small, energetic and strong, it feeds on small birds in a variety of habitats. Localized wintering species in wetlands and croplands of Alicante. I have also seen this species on its breeding grounds in Lapland.

Found in savanna and open woodland of eastern and western Africa. Apparently tends to favor areas with palm trees. Full gray suit, with yellow bill base, eye rings and legs. I have seen this species in Kenya.

The falcon of the seas. Breeds late in few small offshore Mediterranean and Atlantic islets during with the passerine postnuptial migration and migrates to Madagascar region tropical forests. It has two morphs: one jet black and one light. Uncommon and irregular migrant in Alicante during demographic explosions of beetles and dragonflies. I have best seen this species in its breeding grounds and foraging stakeouts in Castellón.

Long-distance migratory falcon breeding in open forests and croplands of Eurasia and wintering in southern Africa. They favor dragonflies and large insects, which they catch in flight. Uncommon but regular migrant in Alicante and regular summer visitor in the Helsinki region.

Found all across the world except in Antarctica — it has the widest distribution of all birds. Large, powerful raptor using the highest top speed recorded in the animal kingdom to hunt on the wing. Variable in plumage along its wide range. It is a resident and wintering species in Alicante. I have also seen it in Georgia, Borneo and India.