Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park

Birds

The park’s archipelago provides an important nesting and migration stopover for a wide variety of bird species. From majestic seabirds to elusive shorebirds, the Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers.

White-Tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
One of Europe’s largest birds of prey, the white-tailed eagle is a top predator in the park’s ecosystem. With its impressive wingspan and keen eyesight, it hunts fish and waterfowl, often seen soaring over the archipelago.

Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)
This large sea duck is a defining species of the Baltic coast. Males are striking black-and-white with green markings, while females are well-camouflaged in brown plumage. Eiders are known for their valuable down feathers, which they use to line their nests.

Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle)
A characteristic seabird of the rocky islands, the black guillemot has a distinctive black body with white wing patches. It dives for fish and crustaceans, using its bright red feet for propulsion underwater.

Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
An elegant and agile flyer, the common tern is a summer visitor to the park’s shores. It can be seen hovering over the water before plunging in to catch small fish. These birds are highly territorial and will aggressively defend their nests.

Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis)
A striking black-and-white goose, the barnacle goose migrates from Arctic breeding grounds to spend time along the Baltic coast. It grazes on coastal meadows and often gathers in large, noisy flocks.

Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)
This elegant waterbird is known for its elaborate courtship dance, where pairs mirror each other’s movements on the water. Found in the park’s coastal lagoons, the great crested grebe feeds primarily on fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)
Easily recognizable by its black-and-white plumage and bright orange beak, the Eurasian oystercatcher is a common sight along the shorelines. It feeds on mollusks and worms, using its strong bill to pry open shells.

Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)
This distinctive wader is known for its iridescent green plumage and crest. It breeds in open wetlands and meadows within the park, performing acrobatic aerial displays during courtship.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
Finland’s national bird, the whooper swan is a majestic and vocal species found in the park’s waters. These swans form strong pair bonds and are often seen gliding gracefully across coastal lagoons and bays.

Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata)
With its long, curved bill and haunting call, the Eurasian curlew is a characteristic bird of the park’s coastal marshes. It feeds on invertebrates hidden in the mud, playing a vital role in the ecosystem.

Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park is a remarkable haven for both land and marine species, making it an excellent destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Popular

Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park, located along Finland’s southeastern coast, is a stunning marine and archipelago habitat with rich biodiversity. The park features rocky islets, sandy shores, and lush forests, making it home to a variety of fascinating wildlife. Below are some of the more popular species found in the park.

Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus)
This large marine mammal is a common sight in the park’s waters, often seen basking on rocky islets. Grey seals are powerful swimmers and skilled hunters, feeding primarily on fish. Their population in the Baltic Sea has been recovering after past declines due to hunting and pollution.

Baltic Ringed Seal (Pusa hispida botnica)
A smaller relative of the grey seal, the Baltic ringed seal is adapted to the icy conditions of the Gulf of Finland. These seals rely on sea ice for breeding and raising their pups. Climate change poses a major threat to their survival, making conservation efforts crucial.

European Otter (Lutra lutra)
An elusive and playful predator, the European otter thrives in the park’s coastal waters and wetland areas. Feeding on fish and amphibians, otters are an important indicator of water quality and ecosystem health.

European Elk (Alces alces)
Also known as the moose, this large herbivore roams the forested areas of the park. With its towering antlers and sturdy build, the European elk is a symbol of Finland’s wilderness. It feeds on aquatic plants, shrubs, and tree bark.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
A highly adaptable carnivore, the red fox can be found across the park’s varied landscapes. These intelligent hunters feed on small mammals, birds, and even marine species like crabs along the shoreline. Their reddish fur provides camouflage in the coastal vegetation.

Raccoon Dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides)
This nocturnal canid, native to East Asia but introduced to Finland, has established a presence in the national park. Unlike true raccoons, raccoon dogs are related to foxes and are skilled scavengers, feeding on small animals, berries, and fish.

Eurasian Beaver (Castor fiber)
The industrious Eurasian beaver has been reintroduced successfully in Finland and can be found in freshwater habitats near the park. These ecosystem engineers shape their environment by building dams and lodges, creating wetlands that support a variety of other species.

White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
An introduced species in Finland, the white-tailed deer has established a population in the forests surrounding the Gulf of Finland. While not native, these deer have adapted well to the Finnish climate and are commonly spotted in wooded areas.

Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)
One of the few cetaceans found in the Baltic Sea, the harbor porpoise is a shy marine mammal that occasionally surfaces in the park’s waters. Pollution and underwater noise pose challenges to their conservation, making them a rare but special sight.

Western Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
A smaller and more delicate relative of the elk, the roe deer is common in the forests and meadows of the park. Known for its agility and keen senses, the roe deer is an important prey species for predators like foxes and lynxes.

Birds

The park’s archipelago provides an important nesting and migration stopover for a wide variety of bird species. From majestic seabirds to elusive shorebirds, the Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers.

White-Tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
One of Europe’s largest birds of prey, the white-tailed eagle is a top predator in the park’s ecosystem. With its impressive wingspan and keen eyesight, it hunts fish and waterfowl, often seen soaring over the archipelago.

Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)
This large sea duck is a defining species of the Baltic coast. Males are striking black-and-white with green markings, while females are well-camouflaged in brown plumage. Eiders are known for their valuable down feathers, which they use to line their nests.

Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle)
A characteristic seabird of the rocky islands, the black guillemot has a distinctive black body with white wing patches. It dives for fish and crustaceans, using its bright red feet for propulsion underwater.

Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
An elegant and agile flyer, the common tern is a summer visitor to the park’s shores. It can be seen hovering over the water before plunging in to catch small fish. These birds are highly territorial and will aggressively defend their nests.

Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis)
A striking black-and-white goose, the barnacle goose migrates from Arctic breeding grounds to spend time along the Baltic coast. It grazes on coastal meadows and often gathers in large, noisy flocks.

Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)
This elegant waterbird is known for its elaborate courtship dance, where pairs mirror each other’s movements on the water. Found in the park’s coastal lagoons, the great crested grebe feeds primarily on fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)
Easily recognizable by its black-and-white plumage and bright orange beak, the Eurasian oystercatcher is a common sight along the shorelines. It feeds on mollusks and worms, using its strong bill to pry open shells.

Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)
This distinctive wader is known for its iridescent green plumage and crest. It breeds in open wetlands and meadows within the park, performing acrobatic aerial displays during courtship.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
Finland’s national bird, the whooper swan is a majestic and vocal species found in the park’s waters. These swans form strong pair bonds and are often seen gliding gracefully across coastal lagoons and bays.

Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata)
With its long, curved bill and haunting call, the Eurasian curlew is a characteristic bird of the park’s coastal marshes. It feeds on invertebrates hidden in the mud, playing a vital role in the ecosystem.

Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park is a remarkable haven for both land and marine species, making it an excellent destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.