Rapid permafrost degradation and woodland expansion marked the Early Holocene (9.7–6.3 ka BCE), following the Pleistocene–Holocene transition (PHT). During this period, Arctic and sub-Arctic species were replaced by more temperate fauna migrating from glacial refugia. While the transition from the Late Pleistocene to the Holocene affected the distribution of extant falcon species, it did not cause their extinction. Habitat changes, especially the expansion or retreat of open habitats as forests advanced, led to local variations in species distribution. Warm-adapted falcons, such as the lesser kestrel and Eleonora’s falcon, persisted in glacial refugia in southern Europe. After deglaciation, boreal species like the merlin occupied far northern open regions. Arctic species, such as the gyrfalcon, saw a significant range reduction, moving from permafrost-covered central Europe to their current breeding range. In contrast, temperate and adaptable species, such as the common kestrel, peregrine falcon, and Eurasian hobby, expanded into deglaciated areas. Meanwhile, the expansion of forests hindered species associated with dry open habitats, such as the red-footed and saker falcons.