The Spot-winged Falconet is the only member of its genus and is endemic to the chaco savannas, woodland and scrub of Bolivia and central Argentina. It is a small raptor, about the same size as the American Kestrel (Falco sparverius), but with a very different plumage. The falconet is grayish brown above and white below with dark streaking throughout, and a white rump,; its name comes from the white spots on the flight feathers and wing coverts. It feeds primarily on insects, especially flying ones such as dragonflies, damselflies and cicadas, but will also take lizards and small birds. The Spot-winged Falconet is occasionally tolerated at the communal nests of Monk Parakeets which it often uses for roosting. Indeed, the falconet has been observed roosting in active Monk Parakeets nests with the parakeets entering the chamber after the falconet and spending the night with them.