Breheimen National Park

Birds

Breheimen National Park is home to a variety of bird species that thrive in its mountainous and glacial environments. From majestic birds of prey to resilient alpine species, the park provides a crucial habitat for many avian species.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
One of Norway’s most iconic birds of prey, the golden eagle soars high over the park’s rugged peaks, scanning for hares and other small mammals. Its keen eyesight and powerful talons make it a formidable hunter.

Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus)
The largest of the falcons, the gyrfalcon is a rare but impressive predator found in Breheimen. It primarily preys on ptarmigans and other birds, using its incredible speed and agility to hunt.

Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta)
A master of camouflage, the rock ptarmigan changes its plumage from brown in summer to white in winter. It inhabits the high-altitude regions of the park and is a key prey species for raptors.

White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
This massive sea eagle can be seen soaring over lakes and rivers, searching for fish and waterfowl. It is one of Europe’s largest birds of prey and a conservation success story in Norway.

Common Raven (Corvus corax)
Highly intelligent and adaptable, the common raven thrives in the harsh landscapes of Breheimen. These birds are known for their problem-solving abilities and complex vocalizations.

Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis)
A true alpine bird, the snow bunting breeds in the high-altitude regions of the park. It has striking white and black plumage and is well adapted to life in cold environments.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of the largest owls in the world, the Eurasian eagle-owl hunts at night, preying on small mammals and birds. It is a rare but majestic sight in the park’s forests and cliffs.

Black Grouse (Lyrurus tetrix)
Famous for its dramatic courtship displays, the black grouse inhabits forest edges and alpine meadows. Males gather in leks to perform elaborate dances to attract females.

Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus)
A migratory songbird, the willow warbler brings life to the park’s woodlands during the summer months. Its melodic song is a characteristic sound of the Norwegian wilderness.

Eurasian Dipper (Cinclus cinclus)
This unique bird is often seen along fast-flowing rivers and streams, where it dives underwater to catch aquatic insects. It is an excellent swimmer and well adapted to cold mountain rivers.

Breheimen National Park offers a rich variety of wildlife, from powerful predators to small but crucial species that contribute to its diverse ecosystem. Whether exploring its valleys or high peaks, visitors have the chance to witness some of Norway’s most fascinating animals in their natural habitat.

Breheimen National Park, located in Norway, is a rugged and stunning wilderness area known for its glaciers, deep valleys, and dramatic mountain landscapes. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including large mammals and birds adapted to its harsh alpine environment. Below are some of the most notable species that can be found in Breheimen National Park.

Eurasian Elk (Alces alces)
The largest land mammal in Norway, the Eurasian elk, or moose, is commonly found in the forests and valleys of Breheimen. These massive herbivores feed on leaves, twigs, and aquatic vegetation, and are often seen near lakes and wetlands.

Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus)
The Arctic fox is a rare but remarkable sight in the park. It is well-adapted to the cold with its thick fur, which changes from brown in summer to white in winter. Once threatened by overhunting, conservation efforts have helped stabilize their numbers.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
A stealthy predator, the Eurasian lynx roams the park’s forests and mountains, preying on hares and small deer. It is difficult to spot due to its elusive nature, but its large paws and tufted ears make it an iconic species of the region.

Wolverine (Gulo gulo)
This powerful and tenacious carnivore thrives in the remote wilderness of Breheimen. Wolverines are known for their strength and endurance, scavenging on carcasses or hunting small mammals in the rugged terrain.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
More common than its Arctic cousin, the red fox is a highly adaptable predator found in lower elevations of the park. It preys on rodents, birds, and insects, and is known for its intelligence and cunning hunting strategies.

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)
Reindeer, both wild and semi-domesticated, traverse the high-altitude regions of Breheimen. They migrate with the seasons, feeding on lichens, mosses, and grasses, and are well adapted to the cold mountain climate.

European Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
These small, graceful deer inhabit the forests and meadows of the park. They are most active during dawn and dusk, feeding on leaves, grasses, and berries.

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
Though not common, the brown bear occasionally wanders into Breheimen. These massive omnivores roam vast distances in search of berries, fish, and small mammals.

Mountain Hare (Lepus timidus)
A key prey species in the park, the mountain hare has a thick fur coat that turns white in winter, providing excellent camouflage against the snow. It is an important food source for predators such as lynx and foxes.

Norwegian Lemming (Lemmus lemmus)
This small but significant rodent is a vital part of the ecosystem. Known for its periodic population booms, the Norwegian lemming plays an essential role in sustaining predators like foxes, owls, and eagles.