Slovincian National Park

Birds

Slovincian National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, as its mix of wetlands, forests, and coastal dunes provides shelter for many species. Here are ten of the more popular bird species found in the park.

White-Tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
One of the most iconic birds in the park, the white-tailed eagle is a massive bird of prey with a wingspan of over two meters. It soars over lakes and coastal areas, hunting fish and waterfowl.

Common Crane (Grus grus)
During migration periods, large flocks of common cranes can be seen resting in the park’s marshes. Their long legs and elegant necks make them easy to identify, and their loud calls echo across the wetlands.

Eurasian Bittern (Botaurus stellaris)
A secretive bird that blends perfectly into the reed beds, the Eurasian bittern is more often heard than seen. Its distinctive booming call can be heard over long distances in the wetlands.

Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
Often seen perched on rocks or trees with its wings spread out to dry, the great cormorant is a skilled fisher. It dives underwater to catch fish, using its webbed feet to propel itself forward.

Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)
This striking wading bird is easily recognized by its iridescent plumage and distinctive crest. Northern lapwings breed in the park’s meadows and wetlands, performing dramatic aerial displays during courtship.

Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)
Unlike the more common white stork, the black stork is shy and prefers forested wetlands. It feeds on fish, amphibians, and small invertebrates, often foraging in shallow water.

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)
These elegant birds glide across the park’s lakes and coastal waters. Mute swans are territorial and can be quite aggressive when defending their nests. They primarily feed on aquatic vegetation.

Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis)
A summer visitor to the Baltic coast, the Sandwich tern nests in colonies on sandy beaches and dunes. It is known for its sharp dive into the water to catch small fish.

Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata)
Recognizable by its long, curved bill, the Eurasian curlew forages in mudflats and coastal marshes. Its melancholic call is a distinctive sound of the wetlands.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
One of the fastest birds in the world, the peregrine falcon is a skilled hunter that preys on other birds in midair. It is occasionally seen in the park, soaring over open landscapes in search of prey.

Slovincian National Park, located on the Baltic coast of Poland, is known for its shifting sand dunes, coastal lakes, and diverse wildlife. The park’s mix of wetlands, forests, and sandy shores creates a unique habitat for a variety of species. Below are some of the more popular animal species found in the park.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
The red fox is one of the most adaptable mammals in the park. With its reddish fur, bushy tail, and keen senses, it thrives in both forested and coastal areas. Foxes in the park primarily hunt small rodents but will also scavenge along the shore.

European Otter (Lutra lutra)
This semi-aquatic mammal can be found in the park’s lakes and rivers, especially around Łebsko and Gardno lakes. The European otter is an excellent swimmer, using its webbed feet to navigate through the water in search of fish and amphibians.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
Wild boars roam the park’s forests and marshy areas, foraging for roots, insects, and small animals. These strong and resilient animals often move in family groups and play a crucial role in shaping the ecosystem through their digging behavior.

Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
Often seen grazing in meadows and forest edges, roe deer are elegant and agile creatures. They are most active during dawn and dusk, feeding on grasses, leaves, and young shoots.

Gray Seal (Halichoerus grypus)
Occasionally spotted along the Baltic coast, the gray seal is the largest predator in the region. These marine mammals feed on fish and crustaceans, using their strong jaws to catch prey.

European Beaver (Castor fiber)
Beavers are found near freshwater sources, where they build lodges and dams using branches and mud. Their activities help create wetland habitats that support a variety of other species.

Raccoon Dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides)
An invasive species introduced from Asia, the raccoon dog has established itself in the park. It has a thick fur coat and a distinctive mask-like facial pattern. It is an opportunistic omnivore, feeding on small animals, berries, and carrion.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
This elusive wild cat is a rare but remarkable predator within the park. With tufted ears and powerful limbs, the lynx hunts deer, hares, and other small mammals. It prefers dense forests where it can stalk its prey undetected.

European Badger (Meles meles)
Badgers are nocturnal mammals known for their strong claws and burrowing habits. They live in underground setts and emerge at night to forage for earthworms, insects, and plant material.

Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)
Although more commonly found in deeper waters, harbor porpoises sometimes venture close to the shore. These small cetaceans are shy and difficult to spot, but they play an essential role in the marine ecosystem.