Helvetinjärvi National Park

Birds

The park’s old-growth forests, lakes, and wetlands provide a rich habitat for a variety of bird species. Many of these birds are characteristic of Finland’s boreal forests and play an essential role in the park’s biodiversity.

Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius)
This large, striking bird with a jet-black body and red crest is a frequent sight in the park’s forests. It uses its powerful beak to carve out nesting cavities and search for insects in tree trunks.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of Europe’s largest owls, the Eurasian eagle-owl is a formidable nocturnal hunter. With piercing orange eyes and strong talons, it preys on small mammals and birds in the park’s dense woodlands.

Common Crane (Grus grus)
A symbol of Finland’s wild landscapes, the common crane is a migratory bird that can be spotted in the park during the summer. Its elegant courtship dances and loud calls make it a fascinating species to observe.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
Finland’s national bird, the whooper swan, is a majestic waterfowl known for its trumpet-like calls. It nests in the park’s lakes and wetlands, forming strong lifelong bonds with its mate.

Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
A skilled and powerful bird of prey, the northern goshawk patrols the park’s forests in search of pigeons and small mammals. Its sharp talons and keen eyesight make it a formidable hunter.

Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum)
The smallest owl in Europe, the pygmy owl is a rare but fascinating sight in Helvetinjärvi. Despite its small size, it is an aggressive predator, often hunting birds and rodents.

Hazel Grouse (Tetrastes bonasia)
A well-camouflaged bird of the boreal forests, the hazel grouse is often found in thick undergrowth. It remains still when approached, relying on its plumage to blend in with the surroundings.

White-throated Dipper (Cinclus cinclus)
This unique songbird thrives in fast-flowing streams and rivers. Unlike most songbirds, the dipper can dive underwater to catch insects and small aquatic creatures.

Great Grey Owl (Strix nebulosa)
With its haunting facial disc and silent flight, the great grey owl is a rare but magnificent bird in the park. It preys primarily on voles and other small mammals.

Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus)
Recognizable by its soft brown plumage, black mask, and red-tipped wings, the Bohemian waxwing feeds on berries and insects. Large flocks can be seen in winter, moving through the park in search of food.

Helvetinjärvi National Park provides a rich and diverse habitat for both mammals and birds, making it a prime location for wildlife observation in Finland’s wilderness.

Popular

Helvetinjärvi National Park, located in Finland, is known for its rugged landscapes, deep gorges, and pristine forests. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, from large mammals to smaller forest-dwelling species.

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
As Finland’s largest predator, the brown bear roams the dense forests of Helvetinjärvi. Though rarely seen, these powerful mammals play a vital role in the ecosystem, scavenging and maintaining balance within the food chain.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
This elusive wild cat is Finland’s only feline species. With its tufted ears and thick fur, the Eurasian lynx is well adapted to the cold climate, hunting hares, birds, and small mammals in the park’s forests.

Gray Wolf (Canis lupus)
A top predator in the region, the gray wolf is an essential part of the ecosystem. These social animals move in packs and are skilled hunters, preying on deer and smaller mammals.

Moose (Alces alces)
The largest land mammal in Finland, the moose is a common sight in the park, particularly near lakes and marshes. These massive herbivores graze on leaves, twigs, and aquatic plants.

European Beaver (Castor fiber)
Found in the park’s waterways, the European beaver is a skilled builder, creating dams and lodges that shape the wetland habitat. Their presence benefits many other species by maintaining water levels and creating new habitats.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
This adaptable carnivore is frequently seen in the park, hunting rodents, birds, and insects. With its striking red coat and bushy tail, the red fox thrives in a variety of environments, from deep forests to open meadows.

European Badger (Meles meles)
A nocturnal and burrowing mammal, the European badger is known for its black-and-white striped face. These social animals live in underground dens and forage for worms, insects, and berries.

Raccoon Dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides)
Originally from East Asia, this species has established itself in Finland. It has a thick fur coat and is mostly nocturnal, feeding on small animals, fruits, and carrion.

Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra)
Thriving in the park’s lakes and rivers, the Eurasian otter is an excellent swimmer, using its streamlined body to catch fish and amphibians. Their playful nature makes them a fascinating species to observe.

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
Although primarily a bird, the capercaillie is a notable species in the park due to its large size and unique behavior. Males perform elaborate courtship displays in spring, attracting attention in the dense coniferous forests.

Birds

The park’s old-growth forests, lakes, and wetlands provide a rich habitat for a variety of bird species. Many of these birds are characteristic of Finland’s boreal forests and play an essential role in the park’s biodiversity.

Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius)
This large, striking bird with a jet-black body and red crest is a frequent sight in the park’s forests. It uses its powerful beak to carve out nesting cavities and search for insects in tree trunks.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of Europe’s largest owls, the Eurasian eagle-owl is a formidable nocturnal hunter. With piercing orange eyes and strong talons, it preys on small mammals and birds in the park’s dense woodlands.

Common Crane (Grus grus)
A symbol of Finland’s wild landscapes, the common crane is a migratory bird that can be spotted in the park during the summer. Its elegant courtship dances and loud calls make it a fascinating species to observe.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
Finland’s national bird, the whooper swan, is a majestic waterfowl known for its trumpet-like calls. It nests in the park’s lakes and wetlands, forming strong lifelong bonds with its mate.

Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
A skilled and powerful bird of prey, the northern goshawk patrols the park’s forests in search of pigeons and small mammals. Its sharp talons and keen eyesight make it a formidable hunter.

Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum)
The smallest owl in Europe, the pygmy owl is a rare but fascinating sight in Helvetinjärvi. Despite its small size, it is an aggressive predator, often hunting birds and rodents.

Hazel Grouse (Tetrastes bonasia)
A well-camouflaged bird of the boreal forests, the hazel grouse is often found in thick undergrowth. It remains still when approached, relying on its plumage to blend in with the surroundings.

White-throated Dipper (Cinclus cinclus)
This unique songbird thrives in fast-flowing streams and rivers. Unlike most songbirds, the dipper can dive underwater to catch insects and small aquatic creatures.

Great Grey Owl (Strix nebulosa)
With its haunting facial disc and silent flight, the great grey owl is a rare but magnificent bird in the park. It preys primarily on voles and other small mammals.

Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus)
Recognizable by its soft brown plumage, black mask, and red-tipped wings, the Bohemian waxwing feeds on berries and insects. Large flocks can be seen in winter, moving through the park in search of food.

Helvetinjärvi National Park provides a rich and diverse habitat for both mammals and birds, making it a prime location for wildlife observation in Finland’s wilderness.