Seiland National Park

Birds

Seiland National Park is also a haven for birdlife, with its coastal cliffs, tundra, and forested areas providing habitat for a variety of species. Many migratory birds pass through the park, making it an exciting location for birdwatchers.

White-Tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
One of Europe’s largest birds of prey, the white-tailed eagle is often seen soaring over the fjords and rocky coastlines. With its impressive wingspan and sharp talons, it preys on fish, seabirds, and small mammals.

Puffin (Fratercula arctica)
These iconic seabirds nest along Seiland’s rocky cliffs, forming large colonies during the breeding season. Their striking black and white plumage, colorful beaks, and expert diving skills make them a favorite among visitors.

Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)
A large sea duck, the common eider is often seen along Seiland’s coastline. Known for its soft down feathers, which have been used for insulation by humans for centuries, these birds dive for mollusks and small crustaceans.

Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus)
The world’s largest falcon, the gyrfalcon is a formidable predator in the Arctic. It primarily hunts other birds, especially ptarmigans, and is an agile flyer despite its size.

Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)
This striking white owl is well adapted to the Arctic environment, hunting lemmings and other small mammals. Though elusive, lucky visitors may spot one perched on rocky outcrops or soaring across the tundra.

Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle)
A member of the auk family, the black guillemot is often seen diving into the cold waters in search of fish. Its distinctive black plumage with white wing patches makes it easy to identify.

Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis)
A close relative of the albatross, the northern fulmar glides effortlessly over the open sea. These birds nest in cliffs and have a unique ability to produce a foul-smelling oil to defend themselves from predators.

Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta)
A master of camouflage, the rock ptarmigan changes its plumage with the seasons—white in winter and brown in summer. It thrives in the mountainous and tundra regions of the park.

Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
These large, dark-colored seabirds are expert divers, often seen perching on rocky outcrops with their wings spread to dry. They primarily feed on fish and are common along the fjords.

Long-Tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)
Recognizable by its striking plumage and elongated tail feathers, the long-tailed duck is a true Arctic specialist. It winters in the coastal waters of Seiland, diving for small fish and crustaceans.

Seiland National Park is a hidden gem for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of species adapted to Norway’s Arctic conditions. Whether on land, in the water, or in the sky, the park’s fauna is a testament to the resilience of life in the north.

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Seiland National Park, located in Norway’s Arctic region, is a rugged landscape of dramatic fjords, glaciers, and coastal ecosystems. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, particularly adapted to its cold and harsh environment, making it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife watchers.

Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus)
The Arctic fox is a master of survival in the frigid landscapes of Seiland. With its thick, insulated fur that changes color with the seasons—white in winter and brown in summer—this small yet agile predator hunts lemmings, birds, and carrion left by larger animals.

Eurasian Elk (Alces alces alces)
Also known as moose, these large herbivores roam the forests and wetlands of Seiland. They are well-adapted to the cold and can often be seen foraging on willows, birch, and aquatic plants along the park’s many lakes and rivers.

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)
Seiland’s rugged terrain provides an important grazing ground for reindeer, some of which are part of indigenous Sámi herding traditions. These animals are well-adapted to the Arctic climate, with thick fur and wide hooves that allow them to traverse snowy and rocky landscapes with ease.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
More common than its Arctic cousin, the red fox is a versatile predator in Seiland. It can be seen hunting small mammals, scavenging along the coast, or even foraging in human settlements.

European Otter (Lutra lutra)
Otters thrive in the coastal and freshwater ecosystems of the park, using their strong swimming abilities to hunt for fish and crustaceans. Their playful nature and elusive behavior make them a favorite among wildlife watchers.

Wolverine (Gulo gulo)
One of Seiland’s most elusive predators, the wolverine is a solitary scavenger and hunter. Known for its strength and endurance, it can travel vast distances in search of food, often feasting on carrion left behind by larger predators.

Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
Along the park’s coastal areas, harbor seals can be seen resting on rocky shores or swimming in the icy waters. These marine mammals rely on a diet of fish and squid, and their playful nature makes them a delightful sight.

Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua)
While not a land animal, the Atlantic cod is an important species in Seiland’s marine ecosystem. This fish thrives in the cold coastal waters, playing a crucial role in both the natural food web and local fisheries.

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
Though rare, brown bears occasionally roam the park’s forests and mountains. These powerful omnivores feed on berries, fish, and small mammals and are an iconic species of the Norwegian wilderness.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
A stealthy and elusive predator, the Eurasian lynx is one of the top carnivores in the region. It preys on reindeer, hares, and small mammals, using its keen eyesight and excellent camouflage to hunt in the dense forests of Seiland.

Birds

Seiland National Park is also a haven for birdlife, with its coastal cliffs, tundra, and forested areas providing habitat for a variety of species. Many migratory birds pass through the park, making it an exciting location for birdwatchers.

White-Tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
One of Europe’s largest birds of prey, the white-tailed eagle is often seen soaring over the fjords and rocky coastlines. With its impressive wingspan and sharp talons, it preys on fish, seabirds, and small mammals.

Puffin (Fratercula arctica)
These iconic seabirds nest along Seiland’s rocky cliffs, forming large colonies during the breeding season. Their striking black and white plumage, colorful beaks, and expert diving skills make them a favorite among visitors.

Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)
A large sea duck, the common eider is often seen along Seiland’s coastline. Known for its soft down feathers, which have been used for insulation by humans for centuries, these birds dive for mollusks and small crustaceans.

Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus)
The world’s largest falcon, the gyrfalcon is a formidable predator in the Arctic. It primarily hunts other birds, especially ptarmigans, and is an agile flyer despite its size.

Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)
This striking white owl is well adapted to the Arctic environment, hunting lemmings and other small mammals. Though elusive, lucky visitors may spot one perched on rocky outcrops or soaring across the tundra.

Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle)
A member of the auk family, the black guillemot is often seen diving into the cold waters in search of fish. Its distinctive black plumage with white wing patches makes it easy to identify.

Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis)
A close relative of the albatross, the northern fulmar glides effortlessly over the open sea. These birds nest in cliffs and have a unique ability to produce a foul-smelling oil to defend themselves from predators.

Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta)
A master of camouflage, the rock ptarmigan changes its plumage with the seasons—white in winter and brown in summer. It thrives in the mountainous and tundra regions of the park.

Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
These large, dark-colored seabirds are expert divers, often seen perching on rocky outcrops with their wings spread to dry. They primarily feed on fish and are common along the fjords.

Long-Tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)
Recognizable by its striking plumage and elongated tail feathers, the long-tailed duck is a true Arctic specialist. It winters in the coastal waters of Seiland, diving for small fish and crustaceans.

Seiland National Park is a hidden gem for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of species adapted to Norway’s Arctic conditions. Whether on land, in the water, or in the sky, the park’s fauna is a testament to the resilience of life in the north.