Salla National Park

Birds

Salla National Park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting a rich avian diversity across its varied landscapes. The mix of old-growth forests, wetlands, and open fells provides ideal habitats for numerous bird species, some of which are unique to the Arctic regions.

Eurasian Three-Toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus)

This woodpecker species thrives in the park’s old-growth forests, relying on dead and decaying trees for nesting and foraging. Its presence indicates a healthy forest ecosystem.

Siberian Jay (Perisoreus infaustus)

Known for its curiosity and sociable nature, the Siberian jay is a common sight in the park’s coniferous forests. These birds often approach humans, especially in picnic areas, seeking food scraps.

Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus)

Inhabiting the park’s tundra and subalpine zones, the willow ptarmigan is well adapted to cold environments. It changes plumage with the seasons, sporting white feathers in winter for camouflage against snow and brown mottled feathers in summer.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)

Finland’s national bird, the whooper swan, can be found in the park’s lakes and wetlands during the breeding season. Known for their loud, trumpeting calls, these swans are a majestic sight as they glide across the water.

Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

The goldeneye is a common diving duck in the park’s small wilderness lakes. They nest in tree cavities near water bodies and are often seen diving for aquatic insects and fish.

Smew (Mergellus albellus)

A small and striking diving duck, the smew frequents the park’s lakes. Males are easily recognizable by their white plumage with black markings, while females are gray with chestnut heads.

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)

As mentioned earlier, the Western capercaillie is not only a notable resident among the park’s fauna but also a significant bird

Salla National Park, located in eastern Lapland, Finland, is renowned for its pristine wilderness, featuring ancient forests, rugged fells, and diverse wildlife. The park’s varied habitats support a rich array of animal species, offering visitors a chance to observe some of Finland’s most iconic fauna.

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)

The brown bear is the largest carnivore in Finland and a symbol of the country’s wild nature. In Salla National Park, these solitary animals roam the extensive forests, though sightings are rare due to their elusive behavior. Bears hibernate during the winter months and emerge in spring to forage for berries, insects, and small mammals.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)

The Eurasian lynx, Europe’s largest wild cat, inhabits the dense woodlands of the park. With its tufted ears and short tail, the lynx is a skilled hunter, preying on hares and small deer. Like the brown bear, lynx are elusive and primarily nocturnal, making them challenging to spot.

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)

Reindeer are synonymous with Lapland and are commonly seen throughout Salla National Park. Semi-domesticated and herded by the indigenous Sámi people, these animals are well adapted to the Arctic environment, feeding on lichens and mosses during the harsh winters.

Wolverine (Gulo gulo)

The wolverine is a rare and powerful carnivore known for its strength and tenacity. Inhabiting remote areas of the park, wolverines are solitary and have large territories. They scavenge on carrion and hunt small mammals, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)

The adaptable red fox thrives in various habitats within the park, from forests to open meadows. With its distinctive reddish fur and bushy tail, the red fox is an opportunistic feeder, hunting rodents, birds, and insects, and foraging for berries.

Mountain Hare (Lepus timidus)

The mountain hare is well adapted to the cold climates of Salla National Park. In winter, its fur turns white to provide camouflage against the snow, while in summer, it reverts to a brown or grey coat. These hares are a vital food source for predators like the lynx and fox.

Moose (Alces alces)

The moose, or elk, is the largest member of the deer family and can be found in the park’s wetlands and forests. Recognizable by their long legs and broad antlers, moose feed on aquatic vegetation, leaves, and twigs. They are most active during dawn and dusk.

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)

The Western capercaillie, a large grouse species, is emblematic of the park and even features on its emblem. These birds inhabit old-growth forests and are known for their dramatic courtship displays during the breeding season.

European Beaver (Castor fiber)

European beavers have made a comeback in Finland and can be found in the waterways of Salla National Park. Known for their dam-building activities, beavers play a significant role in shaping the aquatic ecosystems by creating wetlands that benefit other species.

Raccoon Dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides)

Originally native to East Asia, the raccoon dog has established populations in Finland, including areas within Salla National Park. With a resemblance to raccoons, these nocturnal animals are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of foods ranging from small animals to plant material.

Birds

Salla National Park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting a rich avian diversity across its varied landscapes. The mix of old-growth forests, wetlands, and open fells provides ideal habitats for numerous bird species, some of which are unique to the Arctic regions.

Eurasian Three-Toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus)

This woodpecker species thrives in the park’s old-growth forests, relying on dead and decaying trees for nesting and foraging. Its presence indicates a healthy forest ecosystem.

Siberian Jay (Perisoreus infaustus)

Known for its curiosity and sociable nature, the Siberian jay is a common sight in the park’s coniferous forests. These birds often approach humans, especially in picnic areas, seeking food scraps.

Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus)

Inhabiting the park’s tundra and subalpine zones, the willow ptarmigan is well adapted to cold environments. It changes plumage with the seasons, sporting white feathers in winter for camouflage against snow and brown mottled feathers in summer.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)

Finland’s national bird, the whooper swan, can be found in the park’s lakes and wetlands during the breeding season. Known for their loud, trumpeting calls, these swans are a majestic sight as they glide across the water.

Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

The goldeneye is a common diving duck in the park’s small wilderness lakes. They nest in tree cavities near water bodies and are often seen diving for aquatic insects and fish.

Smew (Mergellus albellus)

A small and striking diving duck, the smew frequents the park’s lakes. Males are easily recognizable by their white plumage with black markings, while females are gray with chestnut heads.

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)

As mentioned earlier, the Western capercaillie is not only a notable resident among the park’s fauna but also a significant bird

Salla National Park, located in eastern Lapland, Finland, is renowned for its pristine wilderness, featuring ancient forests, rugged fells, and diverse wildlife. The park’s varied habitats support a rich array of animal species, offering visitors a chance to observe some of Finland’s most iconic fauna.

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)

The brown bear is the largest carnivore in Finland and a symbol of the country’s wild nature. In Salla National Park, these solitary animals roam the extensive forests, though sightings are rare due to their elusive behavior. Bears hibernate during the winter months and emerge in spring to forage for berries, insects, and small mammals.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)

The Eurasian lynx, Europe’s largest wild cat, inhabits the dense woodlands of the park. With its tufted ears and short tail, the lynx is a skilled hunter, preying on hares and small deer. Like the brown bear, lynx are elusive and primarily nocturnal, making them challenging to spot.

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)

Reindeer are synonymous with Lapland and are commonly seen throughout Salla National Park. Semi-domesticated and herded by the indigenous Sámi people, these animals are well adapted to the Arctic environment, feeding on lichens and mosses during the harsh winters.

Wolverine (Gulo gulo)

The wolverine is a rare and powerful carnivore known for its strength and tenacity. Inhabiting remote areas of the park, wolverines are solitary and have large territories. They scavenge on carrion and hunt small mammals, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)

The adaptable red fox thrives in various habitats within the park, from forests to open meadows. With its distinctive reddish fur and bushy tail, the red fox is an opportunistic feeder, hunting rodents, birds, and insects, and foraging for berries.

Mountain Hare (Lepus timidus)

The mountain hare is well adapted to the cold climates of Salla National Park. In winter, its fur turns white to provide camouflage against the snow, while in summer, it reverts to a brown or grey coat. These hares are a vital food source for predators like the lynx and fox.

Moose (Alces alces)

The moose, or elk, is the largest member of the deer family and can be found in the park’s wetlands and forests. Recognizable by their long legs and broad antlers, moose feed on aquatic vegetation, leaves, and twigs. They are most active during dawn and dusk.

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)

The Western capercaillie, a large grouse species, is emblematic of the park and even features on its emblem. These birds inhabit old-growth forests and are known for their dramatic courtship displays during the breeding season.

European Beaver (Castor fiber)

European beavers have made a comeback in Finland and can be found in the waterways of Salla National Park. Known for their dam-building activities, beavers play a significant role in shaping the aquatic ecosystems by creating wetlands that benefit other species.

Raccoon Dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides)

Originally native to East Asia, the raccoon dog has established populations in Finland, including areas within Salla National Park. With a resemblance to raccoons, these nocturnal animals are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of foods ranging from small animals to plant material.

Birds

Salla National Park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting a rich avian diversity across its varied landscapes. The mix of old-growth forests, wetlands, and open fells provides ideal habitats for numerous bird species, some of which are unique to the Arctic regions.

Eurasian Three-Toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus)

This woodpecker species thrives in the park’s old-growth forests, relying on dead and decaying trees for nesting and foraging. Its presence indicates a healthy forest ecosystem.

Siberian Jay (Perisoreus infaustus)

Known for its curiosity and sociable nature, the Siberian jay is a common sight in the park’s coniferous forests. These birds often approach humans, especially in picnic areas, seeking food scraps.

Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus)

Inhabiting the park’s tundra and subalpine zones, the willow ptarmigan is well adapted to cold environments. It changes plumage with the seasons, sporting white feathers in winter for camouflage against snow and brown mottled feathers in summer.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)

Finland’s national bird, the whooper swan, can be found in the park’s lakes and wetlands during the breeding season. Known for their loud, trumpeting calls, these swans are a majestic sight as they glide across the water.

Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

The goldeneye is a common diving duck in the park’s small wilderness lakes. They nest in tree cavities near water bodies and are often seen diving for aquatic insects and fish.

Smew (Mergellus albellus)

A small and striking diving duck, the smew frequents the park’s lakes. Males are easily recognizable by their white plumage with black markings, while females are gray with chestnut heads.

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)

As mentioned earlier, the Western capercaillie is not only a notable resident among the park’s fauna but also a significant bird