Ekenäs Archipelago National Park

Birds

Ekenäs Archipelago National Park is a haven for birdlife, with its diverse marine and forested habitats attracting a wide range of seabirds, raptors, and migratory species.

White-Tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
One of Europe’s largest birds of prey, the white-tailed eagle is often seen soaring above the islands or perching on rocky cliffs. It primarily hunts fish but also scavenges along the shores.

Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)
This sea duck breeds on the islands and is well known for its soft down, which is used for insulation. Males have striking black-and-white plumage, while females are brown and well-camouflaged.

Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle)
A characteristic bird of the Baltic Sea, the black guillemot nests in rocky crevices along the shorelines. Its black body, white wing patches, and red feet make it easy to identify.

Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)
With its distinctive black-and-white body and bright red bill, the Eurasian oystercatcher is commonly seen foraging along the coastal areas, searching for mussels and shellfish.

Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
A large, dark waterbird, the great cormorant is often spotted drying its wings on rocks after diving for fish. It forms colonies on some of the park’s islands.

Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea)
Known for its extraordinary migration from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back, the Arctic tern nests on the islands of Ekenäs, where it fiercely defends its territory.

Razorbill (Alca torda)
This black-and-white seabird resembles a small penguin in appearance and behavior. It nests in rocky crevices and dives deep into the sea to catch fish.

Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis)
A common sight in spring and autumn, the barnacle goose stops in the archipelago during migration. Some also nest in the area, grazing on grassy patches near the shore.

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)
A graceful and imposing bird, the mute swan is often seen gliding across sheltered bays. It is known for its white plumage, curved neck, and orange bill.

Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
A powerful forest-dwelling raptor, the northern goshawk preys on smaller birds and mammals. It is a secretive but formidable predator of the archipelago’s wooded areas.

Ekenäs Archipelago National Park, located in the Baltic Sea off the southern coast of Finland, is known for its rugged island landscapes, rich marine biodiversity, and thriving populations of wildlife. The park consists of numerous islands, skerries, and rocky shores, providing a habitat for a variety of mammals and marine species.

Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus)
One of the most iconic species of the Baltic Sea, the grey seal is commonly seen resting on the rocky islets of the archipelago. These large marine mammals are excellent swimmers and skilled hunters, feeding primarily on fish.

Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
Smaller than the grey seal, the harbor seal is another marine mammal that inhabits the waters around the park. They are often spotted lounging on rocks or swimming near the shoreline, using their agility to hunt for fish and crustaceans.

European Otter (Lutra lutra)
The elusive European otter thrives in the waterways and coastal environments of the park. With its sleek body and webbed feet, it is well adapted to a semi-aquatic life, hunting for fish and small invertebrates in the shallow waters.

White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
Although native to North America, the white-tailed deer has been introduced to parts of Finland and can sometimes be found in the wooded areas of the archipelago, where it forages for leaves, berries, and grasses.

Raccoon Dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides)
Originally from East Asia, the raccoon dog has established a presence in Finland, including the Ekenäs Archipelago. This nocturnal omnivore is known for its thick fur and scavenging habits.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
A common sight in the park, the red fox is an adaptable predator that thrives in various habitats. It preys on small mammals, birds, and insects, often hunting along the rocky shores and forested parts of the islands.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
Though rare, the elusive Eurasian lynx is a top predator in Finland’s forests. This solitary feline primarily hunts small deer and hares, blending seamlessly into the wooded terrain of the archipelago.

European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
A familiar nocturnal creature, the European hedgehog can sometimes be found foraging in the undergrowth of the archipelago’s forests. It feeds on insects, worms, and small amphibians.

Ringed Seal (Pusa hispida)
This small and resilient seal species is well adapted to cold environments and occasionally appears in the brackish waters of the Baltic Sea. It relies on ice formations for breeding and pupping, though it also utilizes rocky shores.

Moose (Alces alces)
The largest land mammal in the region, moose sometimes venture into the park’s wooded areas, especially in search of food. They are strong swimmers and can cross between islands when necessary.