Eifel National Park

Birds

Eifel National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, with a variety of raptors, waterbirds, and songbirds thriving in its diverse habitats, from dense forests to open wetlands.

Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)
Unlike its white stork relative, the black stork is shy and prefers remote woodlands near water. It has striking black and white plumage with a red beak and legs. This bird feeds on fish, amphibians, and small invertebrates.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of the largest owls in the world, the Eurasian eagle-owl has piercing orange eyes and powerful talons. It hunts at night, preying on rodents, hares, and even smaller birds.

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
A dazzling sight along rivers and lakes, the common kingfisher has iridescent blue and orange plumage. It hovers above water before diving to catch small fish.

Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius)
This large woodpecker is easily recognizable by its glossy black feathers and red crown. It uses its strong beak to carve out nest holes in trees and feeds on insects, especially wood-boring beetles.

Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europaea)
A small but energetic bird, the Eurasian nuthatch is known for its ability to climb headfirst down tree trunks. It feeds on insects, seeds, and nuts.

Red Kite (Milvus milvus)
A majestic bird of prey, the red kite has a distinctive forked tail and graceful flight. It scavenges for carrion but also hunts small mammals and birds.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Renowned as the fastest bird in the world, the peregrine falcon is a formidable predator that dives at incredible speeds to catch birds in midair.

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
This large, elusive grouse inhabits coniferous forests and is known for its dramatic courtship displays, where males fan their tails and make deep, resonant calls.

Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius)
A colorful and intelligent member of the crow family, the Eurasian jay is an expert at hiding acorns, playing a vital role in forest regeneration.

Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)
Often seen near streams, the grey wagtail has a bright yellow underside and constantly bobs its tail while foraging for insects.

Eifel National Park offers a rich variety of wildlife, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Eifel National Park, located in western Germany near the Belgian border, is a protected area known for its diverse wildlife, ancient woodlands, and scenic landscapes of rolling hills and river valleys. The park is home to a variety of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that thrive in its beech forests, wetlands, and open grasslands.

European Wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris)
A rare and elusive predator, the European wildcat roams the dense forests of Eifel National Park. This species resembles a domestic cat but is larger and has a bushier tail with distinct black rings. It primarily hunts small mammals such as mice and voles.

Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)
The largest mammal in the park, red deer can often be seen in forest clearings and meadows. During autumn, the males engage in dramatic rutting battles, clashing antlers to compete for mates. Their loud calls echo through the woods during this season.

European Badger (Meles meles)
These nocturnal creatures are expert diggers, creating extensive underground burrow systems known as setts. They have distinctive black and white facial markings and primarily feed on earthworms, insects, and small mammals.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
Although rare, the Eurasian lynx has been spotted in the park’s remote regions. This solitary feline has tufted ears, a short tail, and a powerful build, making it an efficient ambush predator of roe deer and hares.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
A common inhabitant of the park, wild boars forage in woodlands and grasslands, using their strong snouts to dig for roots, fungi, and small animals. They are highly adaptable and live in family groups called sounders.

European Otter (Lutra lutra)
This semi-aquatic mammal thrives in the park’s rivers and lakes. With its sleek body and webbed feet, the European otter is an excellent swimmer, hunting fish, amphibians, and crustaceans.

Common European Adder (Vipera berus)
The only venomous snake in the park, the common adder is often found basking in sunny clearings or near water bodies. While its bite is rarely fatal to humans, it can cause pain and swelling.

Western Barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus)
A rare bat species in the park, the western barbastelle roosts in tree crevices and caves. It hunts moths and other insects using echolocation, often flying low through the forest canopy.

Yellow-bellied Toad (Bombina variegata)
This small amphibian is easily recognizable by its grayish back and striking yellow underside. When threatened, it arches its body to display its warning colors, a defense mechanism against predators.

Fire Salamander (Salamandra salamandra)
Known for its black body with bright yellow markings, the fire salamander is a symbol of Eifel National Park. It prefers damp, shaded areas and feeds on insects, worms, and slugs.