Jomfruland National Park

Birds

Jomfruland National Park is also home to a remarkable variety of bird species, making it an ideal destination for birdwatchers. The island’s mix of coastal, wetland, and woodland environments provides a haven for both migratory and resident birds.

White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
One of Europe’s largest birds of prey, the white-tailed eagle is a majestic sight in Jomfruland. With a wingspan of up to 2.4 meters, this powerful raptor primarily hunts fish and waterfowl along the coast.

Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)
Recognizable by its black-and-white plumage and bright orange beak, the oystercatcher is commonly found along the park’s shores. It feeds on shellfish and other marine invertebrates, using its strong bill to pry them open.

Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)
This large sea duck is known for its soft, insulating down feathers. Males are black and white with a greenish nape, while females are brown and mottled for camouflage. They are often seen diving for mollusks and crustaceans.

Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus)
With its striking white body, black wingtips, and yellowish head, the northern gannet is a skilled diver, plunging into the sea at high speeds to catch fish. They are frequently seen off the coast of Jomfruland.

Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata)
This wading bird is known for its long, down-curved bill, which it uses to probe mudflats and wet meadows for invertebrates. Its eerie, bubbling call is a distinctive sound in the park’s coastal areas.

Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna)
A strikingly colored duck with a black, white, and chestnut body, the common shelduck is often seen in tidal flats and estuaries. It primarily feeds on small invertebrates and aquatic vegetation.

Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)
A common and noisy coastal bird, the black-headed gull is easily recognized by its dark summer plumage on its head, which turns white in winter. It is an opportunistic feeder, scavenging and hunting for small fish and insects.

Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis)
This medium-sized goose is a frequent visitor to Jomfruland, especially during migration. It has black and white plumage and is known for its loud, high-pitched calls.

Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
Often seen perched on rocky outcrops drying its wings, the great cormorant is a large, black waterbird with a hooked bill used for catching fish. It is an excellent swimmer, diving underwater to hunt.

Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio)
This small but fierce bird is known for its habit of impaling prey, such as insects and small vertebrates, on thorns or barbed wire for later consumption. Males have a distinctive black mask and a reddish back, while females are more muted in color.

Jomfruland National Park’s unique blend of coastal and forested habitats makes it an exceptional destination for wildlife enthusiasts, offering opportunities to observe both land and marine species in their natural environment.

Jomfruland National Park, located along the southeastern coast of Norway, is known for its beautiful coastal landscapes, rolling pebble beaches, and diverse wildlife. The park is home to a variety of species that thrive in its unique mix of marine, forest, and meadow habitats. Below are some of the more popular species found within the park.

European Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
This small and agile deer is commonly seen grazing in the park’s meadows and woodlands. They have a reddish-brown summer coat that turns grayish in winter, and males grow small antlers that are shed and regrown each year.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
An adaptable and cunning predator, the red fox is frequently spotted in Jomfruland National Park. With its striking reddish fur, bushy tail, and sharp senses, it thrives in both forested and open landscapes, preying on small mammals, birds, and insects.

Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
Harbor seals can often be seen resting on the rocky shores of Jomfruland. These marine mammals have a distinctive spotted coat and are excellent swimmers, hunting fish and squid in the surrounding waters.

Otter (Lutra lutra)
A playful and elusive resident of the park’s coastal waters, the otter is an expert swimmer and skilled hunter of fish, crustaceans, and amphibians. Its thick fur keeps it warm even in cold water.

European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
A nocturnal insectivore, the European hedgehog is a frequent visitor to Jomfruland’s grassy fields and forest edges. It is well-known for its spiny coat, which provides excellent defense against predators.

Eurasian Badger (Meles meles)
Badgers live in family groups in underground burrows and are mostly nocturnal. They are omnivores, feeding on earthworms, small mammals, and berries, and their distinctive black-and-white striped face makes them easy to recognize.

European Pine Marten (Martes martes)
This agile and tree-dwelling carnivore is an excellent climber, often hunting birds, rodents, and insects. With its sleek brown fur and cream-colored throat patch, the pine marten is a rare but exciting sight in Jomfruland.

Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)
A small and shy marine mammal, the harbor porpoise is sometimes spotted in the waters surrounding the park. They are known for their rounded heads, small dorsal fins, and preference for coastal habitats.

Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus)
Distinguished by its long ears and powerful hind legs, the brown hare is a fast and agile species often seen in open fields and meadows. It has a keen sense of hearing and can reach high speeds to escape predators.

European Adder (Vipera berus)
As Norway’s only venomous snake, the European adder is an important part of the park’s ecosystem. It has a characteristic zigzag pattern along its back and can be found basking in sunny spots on rocky outcrops or forest clearings.