Leivonmäki National Park

Birds

Leivonmäki National Park is home to a rich variety of bird species, including both resident and migratory birds. The forests, wetlands, and open ridges provide excellent nesting and feeding grounds, making it a prime location for birdwatching.

Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius)
This large, striking woodpecker is recognizable by its black plumage and red crown. It excavates deep nesting holes in tree trunks, benefiting other cavity-nesting species.

Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum)
Despite its small size, the Eurasian pygmy owl is a fierce hunter. It preys on small birds and rodents, often hunting during the day, which is rare among owls.

Common Crane (Grus grus)
These elegant, tall birds are known for their trumpeting calls and elaborate mating dances. They inhabit wetland areas of the park and migrate long distances between breeding and wintering grounds.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
Finland’s national bird, the whooper swan, can be seen on lakes and ponds in the park. Its loud, honking call and graceful white plumage make it a spectacular sight.

Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
This powerful bird of prey is an expert hunter, preying on other birds and small mammals. It is often spotted flying swiftly through the dense forest.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of the largest owls in the world, the Eurasian eagle-owl has a deep, resonant hoot. It preys on a wide range of animals, including rodents, birds, and even small foxes.

Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor)
Nicknamed the “butcher bird,” this predatory songbird is known for impaling its prey on thorns or barbed wire. It hunts insects, small mammals, and birds.

Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus)
Adapted to cold environments, the willow ptarmigan changes its plumage with the seasons, from brown in summer to white in winter. It is commonly found in the park’s heaths and forests.

Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus)
This nomadic bird travels in flocks and feeds primarily on berries. Its soft, sleek plumage and red-tipped wings make it an eye-catching species.

Eurasian Three-Toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus)
A rare but fascinating woodpecker, this species is specially adapted to boreal forests. It thrives in dead and dying trees, feeding on insects hidden beneath the bark.

Leivonmäki National Park is a haven for nature lovers, offering a chance to observe these incredible species in their natural habitats. Whether trekking through the forests or exploring the wetlands, visitors are sure to encounter the park’s rich biodiversity.

Popular

Leivonmäki National Park, located in central Finland, is known for its beautiful boreal forests, scenic ridges, and pristine wetlands. The park provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including large mammals and smaller forest-dwelling species. Visitors can enjoy peaceful hiking trails while encountering some of Finland’s most iconic wildlife.

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
Although elusive, the brown bear is one of the largest carnivores in Finland and occasionally roams through the forests of Leivonmäki. These powerful animals are mostly solitary and primarily feed on berries, plants, and small mammals.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
The Eurasian lynx is a secretive predator found in the dense woodlands of the park. With its tufted ears and spotted fur, this wild cat preys on hares and small deer, playing a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem’s balance.

Moose (Alces alces)
As the largest deer species in Finland, moose are commonly seen in the park, especially in wetland areas and along forest edges. They feed on aquatic plants, shrubs, and tree bark.

Raccoon Dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides)
This small, nocturnal canid resembles a raccoon due to its distinctive face markings. It forages for berries, small mammals, and carrion, making it an adaptable scavenger in the Finnish wilderness.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
A common sight in Leivonmäki, the red fox is a clever and opportunistic predator. It hunts small mammals, birds, and insects while also scavenging for food when necessary.

European Badger (Meles meles)
Badgers are nocturnal, burrowing animals that thrive in the mixed forests of the park. They live in complex underground tunnels and primarily feed on earthworms, insects, and plant material.

Forest Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus fennicus)
Unlike their domesticated cousins, forest reindeer are shy and inhabit the deeper parts of the forest. They rely on lichen, twigs, and mosses for sustenance.

European Otter (Lutra lutra)
Found near lakes and rivers within the park, the European otter is an agile swimmer that preys on fish and amphibians. Its presence indicates good water quality in the area.

Mountain Hare (Lepus timidus)
This hare changes color with the seasons, turning white in winter to blend with the snow. It is an important prey species for predators like the lynx and fox.

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
Though technically a bird, this large grouse deserves mention for its striking appearance and fascinating courtship displays in the park’s pine forests.

Birds

Leivonmäki National Park is home to a rich variety of bird species, including both resident and migratory birds. The forests, wetlands, and open ridges provide excellent nesting and feeding grounds, making it a prime location for birdwatching.

Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius)
This large, striking woodpecker is recognizable by its black plumage and red crown. It excavates deep nesting holes in tree trunks, benefiting other cavity-nesting species.

Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum)
Despite its small size, the Eurasian pygmy owl is a fierce hunter. It preys on small birds and rodents, often hunting during the day, which is rare among owls.

Common Crane (Grus grus)
These elegant, tall birds are known for their trumpeting calls and elaborate mating dances. They inhabit wetland areas of the park and migrate long distances between breeding and wintering grounds.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
Finland’s national bird, the whooper swan, can be seen on lakes and ponds in the park. Its loud, honking call and graceful white plumage make it a spectacular sight.

Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
This powerful bird of prey is an expert hunter, preying on other birds and small mammals. It is often spotted flying swiftly through the dense forest.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of the largest owls in the world, the Eurasian eagle-owl has a deep, resonant hoot. It preys on a wide range of animals, including rodents, birds, and even small foxes.

Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor)
Nicknamed the “butcher bird,” this predatory songbird is known for impaling its prey on thorns or barbed wire. It hunts insects, small mammals, and birds.

Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus)
Adapted to cold environments, the willow ptarmigan changes its plumage with the seasons, from brown in summer to white in winter. It is commonly found in the park’s heaths and forests.

Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus)
This nomadic bird travels in flocks and feeds primarily on berries. Its soft, sleek plumage and red-tipped wings make it an eye-catching species.

Eurasian Three-Toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus)
A rare but fascinating woodpecker, this species is specially adapted to boreal forests. It thrives in dead and dying trees, feeding on insects hidden beneath the bark.

Leivonmäki National Park is a haven for nature lovers, offering a chance to observe these incredible species in their natural habitats. Whether trekking through the forests or exploring the wetlands, visitors are sure to encounter the park’s rich biodiversity.