Dovre National Park

Birds

Dovre National Park provides a vital habitat for numerous bird species, including majestic raptors and hardy ground-dwelling birds that have adapted to the cold climate and rugged terrain. The park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering sightings of both migratory and resident species.

Golden Eagle
One of the most powerful birds of prey in Norway, the golden eagle is a top predator in Dovre. With its sharp talons and impressive wingspan, it hunts hares, ptarmigans, and even small reindeer calves in the open landscapes.

Gyrfalcon
The world’s largest falcon, the gyrfalcon is a skilled hunter that thrives in the Arctic and subarctic regions. Its powerful flight and keen eyesight make it a formidable predator, preying on other birds such as ptarmigans.

White-tailed Eagle
Also known as the sea eagle, this species is one of Europe’s largest raptors. Though more commonly found along the coast, white-tailed eagles can sometimes be spotted soaring over the park’s rivers and lakes in search of fish and carrion.

Rock Ptarmigan
Perfectly adapted to the harsh mountainous climate, the rock ptarmigan is a ground-dwelling bird that changes its plumage from brown in summer to white in winter for camouflage. It is a key prey species for many of the park’s predators.

Willow Ptarmigan
Closely related to the rock ptarmigan, this species prefers slightly lower elevations with more vegetation. It also changes its feathers seasonally and is an important food source for birds of prey.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl
One of the largest owl species in the world, the Eurasian eagle-owl is a nocturnal hunter with piercing orange eyes and powerful talons. It preys on mammals and birds, using its silent flight to ambush prey.

Northern Hawk Owl
This diurnal owl species is unique in that it hunts primarily during the day. With its sharp vision and fast flight, it preys on small rodents and birds in open areas of the park.

Common Raven
Highly intelligent and adaptable, the common raven thrives in Dovre National Park’s rugged terrain. These birds are known for their problem-solving skills and can often be seen scavenging near carcasses left by predators.

Lapland Longspur
A hardy songbird of the tundra, the Lapland longspur is well-adapted to cold climates. It nests on the ground and forages for seeds and insects in the open landscapes of Dovre.

Snow Bunting
Another Arctic specialist, the snow bunting is often found in high-altitude regions, where it blends in with the rocky terrain. It migrates seasonally, spending the breeding season in Norway’s mountains before heading south for the winter.

Dovre National Park’s vast and untamed wilderness makes it a haven for both large mammals and an impressive array of bird species, providing visitors with unparalleled opportunities to experience Norway’s rich biodiversity.

Dovre National Park, located in central Norway, is a rugged and diverse landscape home to a variety of wildlife species adapted to the harsh climate and mountainous terrain. The park is especially known for its large mammals and Arctic species, making it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife watchers.

Musk Ox
One of the most iconic inhabitants of Dovre National Park, the musk ox is a massive, shaggy-haired herbivore that has roamed the region since the Ice Age. These animals can withstand extreme cold due to their thick fur and are often seen grazing in open tundra landscapes.

Eurasian Lynx
This elusive predator is Norway’s only wild cat species. With tufted ears and a short tail, the Eurasian lynx is a skilled hunter, preying on small mammals and birds. Though rarely seen due to its stealthy nature, it plays a vital role in the park’s ecosystem.

Wolverine
A powerful scavenger and predator, the wolverine is one of the rarest carnivores in Europe. It has a stocky build, sharp claws, and a thick coat, allowing it to thrive in Dovre’s snowy landscapes. Wolverines are known for their strength and ability to take down prey much larger than themselves.

Arctic Fox
Once widespread in Norway, the Arctic fox is now a rare sight and is heavily protected. This small, adaptable predator changes the color of its fur depending on the season, with white fur in winter for camouflage and brownish-gray fur in summer.

Reindeer
The wild reindeer of Dovre National Park are part of one of the last remaining populations in Europe. These resilient animals are well-adapted to the tundra, with thick fur and wide hooves that help them traverse snowy terrain while searching for lichen, their primary food source.

Red Fox
More commonly seen than its Arctic cousin, the red fox is an adaptable predator that thrives in various habitats across Dovre. It preys on rodents, birds, and even carrion, and its bushy tail provides warmth during the cold months.

European Moose
The largest land mammal in Norway, the moose is a majestic creature often spotted in forested areas of the park. With its towering antlers and powerful build, the moose is a solitary browser that feeds on leaves, twigs, and aquatic plants.

Brown Bear
Though not as frequently seen as in other parts of Scandinavia, brown bears occasionally roam the remote areas of Dovre National Park. These large omnivores rely on berries, roots, and small mammals, as well as scavenging carcasses left by other predators.

Mountain Hare
This species is well-adapted to Norway’s mountainous regions, changing its fur from brown in summer to white in winter for camouflage. Mountain hares are an important food source for predators such as the Eurasian lynx and birds of prey.

European Badger
Known for its distinctive black-and-white face, the European badger is a nocturnal animal that lives in underground burrows. Though primarily an omnivore, it feeds on small animals, roots, and berries found in the park’s diverse landscapes.