Øvre Pasvik National Park

Birds

Øvre Pasvik National Park is home to a variety of bird species, particularly those adapted to boreal forests, wetlands, and Arctic conditions. Many migratory birds visit the park during the breeding season, adding to the diversity of birdlife.

Siberian Jay (Perisoreus infaustus)
This intelligent and social bird is known for its curiosity and ability to store food for winter. Siberian jays are often seen flitting through the pine forests, feeding on insects, berries, and small vertebrates.

Great Grey Owl (Strix nebulosa)
One of the largest owls in the world, the great grey owl is a silent hunter of the boreal forests. It preys on voles and other small mammals, using its exceptional hearing to locate prey beneath the snow.

Black-throated Loon (Gavia arctica)
This striking water bird breeds in the park’s lakes and wetlands, where it dives to catch fish. Its eerie, haunting calls echo across the water, creating an unforgettable soundscape.

Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
A large and impressive forest bird, the capercaillie is known for its dramatic courtship displays. Males engage in elaborate dances and calls to attract females during the breeding season.

Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus)
A well-camouflaged bird, the willow ptarmigan changes its plumage from brown in summer to white in winter. This adaptation helps it blend into the snowy landscape and avoid predators.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
These majestic swans are known for their loud, trumpeting calls. They breed in the park’s lakes and wetlands, forming strong lifelong pair bonds.

Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of Europe’s largest owls, the eagle owl is a powerful nocturnal predator. It preys on a variety of mammals and birds, using its silent flight and sharp talons to catch prey.

Common Crane (Grus grus)
A tall and elegant bird, the common crane is a seasonal visitor to Øvre Pasvik, often seen performing its elaborate courtship dances in open meadows and wetlands.

Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus)
The world’s largest falcon, the gyrfalcon is a formidable hunter that preys on ptarmigans and other birds. It is well-adapted to the Arctic environment and thrives in the park’s remote areas.

Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula)
This diurnal owl is unique among owls for hunting primarily during the day. It perches on treetops, scanning for small mammals before swooping down with precision.

Øvre Pasvik National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering the chance to witness some of Norway’s most remarkable animal and bird species in a pristine and untouched landscape.

Øvre Pasvik National Park, located in the far northeastern region of Norway, is a remote and rugged wilderness known for its vast pine forests, wetlands, and numerous lakes. The park is part of the larger Pasvik-Inari Trilateral Park, which extends into Finland and Russia, making it a crucial area for wildlife conservation in the northern boreal ecosystem. Øvre Pasvik is home to Norway’s largest brown bear population and a variety of other fascinating wildlife.

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
The brown bear is one of the most iconic species in Øvre Pasvik. This solitary predator thrives in the park’s dense forests, where it forages for berries, roots, fish, and small mammals. Brown bears hibernate in winter and are most active during the warmer months.

Wolverine (Gulo gulo)
A fierce and elusive predator, the wolverine roams the remote forests and tundra of Øvre Pasvik. It is known for its strength, endurance, and ability to take down prey much larger than itself, including reindeer.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
This elusive wild cat is a master of stealth and camouflage. The Eurasian lynx preys on hares, rodents, and even small deer. Its keen senses and powerful limbs make it a formidable predator in the park.

Moose (Alces alces)
As the largest land mammal in Europe, the moose is a common sight in the park’s forests and wetlands. It feeds primarily on aquatic plants, shrubs, and young tree shoots and is well-adapted to Norway’s harsh winters.

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)
Both wild and semi-domesticated reindeer roam Øvre Pasvik. These hardy animals have thick fur and specialized hooves that help them traverse snowy and marshy terrain in search of lichen and other vegetation.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
The red fox is a highly adaptable and intelligent predator found throughout the park. It preys on small mammals, birds, and insects, and is also known for scavenging food in harsh winter conditions.

European Beaver (Castor fiber)
Once nearly extinct in Norway, the European beaver has made a comeback and can be seen in the park’s lakes and rivers. These skilled engineers build lodges and dams, which create important wetland habitats for other species.

Musk Rat (Ondatra zibethicus)
An aquatic rodent originally from North America, the muskrat has established a presence in Øvre Pasvik. It lives in burrows along riverbanks and feeds on aquatic vegetation, contributing to the park’s wetland ecosystem.

Arctic Hare (Lepus timidus)
This small mammal is well adapted to the cold Arctic climate. Its coat turns white in winter for camouflage against the snow, helping it evade predators such as lynxes and foxes.

Otter (Lutra lutra)
The European otter is an agile and playful semi-aquatic mammal found in the park’s rivers and lakes. It feeds mainly on fish and amphibians and is an excellent swimmer, capable of hunting underwater for extended periods.