Val Grande National Park

Birds

Val Grande National Park is home to a diverse range of bird species, from majestic raptors to colorful songbirds. The park’s mix of dense forests, alpine meadows, and rugged cliffs provides an ideal habitat for many avian species.

Golden Eagle
One of Europe’s most impressive birds of prey, the golden eagle soars above the park’s valleys, hunting for small mammals and birds. With its keen eyesight and powerful talons, it is a top predator in the region.

Peregrine Falcon
Renowned for its speed, the peregrine falcon is capable of reaching speeds of over 300 km/h (186 mph) when diving for prey. It nests on cliffs and rock faces throughout the park.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl
One of the largest owls in the world, the Eurasian eagle-owl is known for its striking orange eyes and deep hooting calls. It hunts at night, preying on mammals and other birds.

Black Woodpecker
This striking black bird with a red crown is one of the largest woodpeckers in Europe. It thrives in the park’s old-growth forests, where it feeds on insects hidden in tree bark.

Western Capercaillie
A large and elusive forest grouse, the capercaillie is famous for its elaborate mating display. Males produce a unique sequence of clicks and pops to attract females in spring.

White-Throated Dipper
Often seen along fast-flowing streams, the white-throated dipper is a small bird that dives underwater to catch aquatic insects and small fish.

Common Raven
Highly intelligent and social, ravens are often seen soaring over the park’s rugged landscapes. Their deep, croaking calls and playful aerial acrobatics make them a fascinating sight.

Wallcreeper
A rare and striking bird, the wallcreeper clings to rock faces with its crimson wings flashing as it flutters between crevices in search of insects.

Alpine Chough
A sociable and acrobatic bird, the Alpine chough is known for its bright yellow beak and aerial maneuvers. It often scavenges for food in high-altitude areas.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk
A stealthy woodland hunter, the Eurasian sparrowhawk uses its agility to chase and catch smaller birds in dense forests. It is a master of ambush tactics.

Val Grande National Park offers a truly wild experience, where both mammals and birds thrive in one of Italy’s last great wilderness areas. Whether you’re hiking through deep valleys or scanning the skies, there’s always a chance to encounter its incredible wildlife.

Val Grande National Park, located in northern Italy, is the largest wilderness area in the country. Known for its rugged landscapes, deep valleys, and remote terrain, the park is home to a variety of fascinating wildlife. Many of the species here have adapted to the park’s mountainous and forested environments, making it a unique destination for nature enthusiasts.

Alpine Ibex
A symbol of the Alps, the Alpine ibex is a wild goat with large, curved horns. These agile climbers thrive in the park’s rocky cliffs and steep slopes, where they can evade predators with ease.

Chamois
Similar to the ibex, the chamois is a mountain-dwelling antelope known for its speed and agility. They are most commonly spotted at dawn or dusk, navigating the park’s rugged terrain.

Red Deer
The largest deer species in the park, red deer are often seen in forested areas and meadows. During autumn, their impressive rutting calls echo through the valleys as males compete for mates.

Roe Deer
Smaller and more elusive than the red deer, the roe deer prefers dense forests where it can forage for leaves and shrubs. They are recognizable by their short antlers and white rumps.

Eurasian Lynx
A rare and secretive predator, the Eurasian lynx roams the remote parts of Val Grande. With its tufted ears and keen eyesight, this solitary hunter preys on deer and smaller mammals.

Wolf
Wolves have returned to Val Grande in recent years, reclaiming their place as apex predators in the park’s ecosystem. They play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of prey populations.

European Badger
Nocturnal and sturdy, the European badger is a burrowing mammal that digs extensive tunnel systems. It feeds on a variety of foods, including insects, small mammals, and fruits.

Marmot
These large ground squirrels are often found in alpine meadows, where they dig deep burrows for shelter. They hibernate during the winter months and are known for their distinctive whistling alarm calls.

Wild Boar
A robust and adaptable species, wild boars are common in the park’s forests. They use their strong snouts to forage for roots, fruits, and small animals.

Otter
Thriving in the park’s rivers and streams, the otter is a playful and agile swimmer. Once rare due to habitat destruction, conservation efforts have helped their population recover.