Femundsmarka National Park

Birds

Femundsmarka National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with its mix of boreal forests, wetlands, and open mountain landscapes providing a diverse range of habitats. Many bird species thrive here, from large birds of prey to smaller woodland songbirds.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
One of the most majestic raptors in Norway, the golden eagle soars over the park’s rugged terrain in search of hares, grouse, and carrion. With its impressive wingspan and keen eyesight, it is a top predator in the region.

Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus)
This powerful Arctic falcon is a rare but thrilling sight in Femundsmarka. It hunts birds like ptarmigans and ducks in fast, high-speed pursuits. Its white and gray plumage provides excellent camouflage against the snowy landscapes.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Often seen gliding over lakes, the osprey is a skilled fish hunter. It dives feet-first into the water to snatch fish with its sharp talons. Its large nests, built high in trees or on rocky cliffs, are a common sight near bodies of water.

Black-throated Loon (Gavia arctica)
These elegant diving birds are often spotted on the park’s lakes, where they catch fish underwater. Their eerie, haunting calls echo across the water, especially in the early morning and evening.

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
This large forest grouse is famous for its dramatic courtship displays, where males fan their tails and make deep, resonant calls to attract females. It thrives in the park’s coniferous forests, foraging on pine needles, berries, and insects.

Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus)
One of the more specialized woodpeckers in the region, this species thrives in old-growth forests, where it feeds on insects hiding beneath tree bark. Its rhythmic drumming is often heard echoing through the woods.

Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus)
A true bird of the Arctic and subalpine regions, the willow ptarmigan changes color with the seasons, sporting white plumage in winter and brown in summer. It is a key food source for many predators, including gyrfalcons and lynxes.

Common Crane (Grus grus)
These tall, elegant birds are often found in marshy areas and wetlands. Their trumpeting calls and synchronized courtship dances make them a highlight for birdwatchers visiting the park.

Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula)
Unlike most owls, the northern hawk owl is active during the day, making it easier to spot. It perches high in trees, scanning for rodents and small birds before swooping down with incredible speed.

Great Grey Owl (Strix nebulosa)
A silent hunter of the boreal forest, the great grey owl uses its incredible hearing to locate prey beneath the snow. Its large facial disc and piercing yellow eyes make it one of the most striking birds in the park.

Femundsmarka National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering the chance to see some of Norway’s most iconic species in their natural, untamed habitat. Whether exploring its dense forests, vast lakes, or open plateaus, visitors are sure to experience the incredible biodiversity of this northern wilderness.

Femundsmarka National Park, located in eastern Norway near the Swedish border, is a vast wilderness known for its rugged landscapes, pristine lakes, and boreal forests. This remote and untouched area is home to a variety of wildlife species, many of which are well adapted to the harsh Nordic climate. The park provides an ideal habitat for large mammals and smaller forest creatures, making it a prime location for nature enthusiasts and wildlife watchers.

Moose (Alces alces)
As the largest land mammal in Norway, moose are a common sight in Femundsmarka. They are often seen browsing on willow and birch leaves near lakes and wetlands. During autumn, males engage in dramatic battles for mating rights, and their deep calls echo through the forests.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
This elusive and solitary predator is one of the top carnivores in the park. The Eurasian lynx primarily hunts roe deer and smaller mammals, using its sharp eyesight and stealth to ambush prey. Spotting one is rare, but their tracks can sometimes be found in the snow during winter.

Wolverine (Gulo gulo)
A powerful scavenger and predator, the wolverine is one of the most iconic yet rarely seen species in Femundsmarka. It is known for its strength, endurance, and ability to take down prey much larger than itself, such as reindeer. It often roams vast distances in search of food.

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
Although not frequently seen, brown bears inhabit the more remote parts of the park. These massive omnivores forage for berries, fish, and small mammals, and they play a crucial role in the ecosystem. In preparation for hibernation, they consume large amounts of food during autumn.

Eurasian Beaver (Castor fiber)
These industrious rodents are vital to the park’s aquatic ecosystem. Beavers build dams and lodges along streams and lakes, creating wetland habitats for other wildlife. Their presence is often indicated by gnawed tree trunks and the sounds of splashing water.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
Adaptable and widespread, the red fox thrives in Femundsmarka’s forests and open areas. It is an opportunistic hunter, feeding on small rodents, birds, and berries. With its striking red coat and bushy tail, it is one of the more commonly spotted predators in the park.

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)
Domesticated reindeer, herded by the indigenous Sámi people, roam parts of the park, but there are also semi-wild populations. These hardy animals are well suited to the cold climate, using their broad hooves to dig through snow in search of lichens.

Otter (Lutra lutra)
The park’s rivers and lakes provide an excellent habitat for the Eurasian otter. These agile swimmers hunt fish, frogs, and crustaceans and are often spotted at dawn or dusk playing near the water’s edge.

Mountain Hare (Lepus timidus)
This nocturnal species is well-adapted to Norway’s seasons, changing its fur color from brown in summer to white in winter for camouflage. It is a key prey species for many predators in the park, including lynxes and foxes.

Pine Marten (Martes martes)
A tree-dwelling predator, the pine marten is agile and quick, hunting small rodents, birds, and insects. It is known for its sleek brown fur and bushy tail. Though elusive, it is sometimes spotted darting between trees in the dense forest.