Muránska Planina National Park

Birds

Muránska Planina National Park is also home to a rich diversity of bird species, thriving in its forests, meadows, and rocky cliffs. Below are ten of the most notable birds found in the park.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
A symbol of power and grace, the golden eagle is one of the most impressive birds of prey in the park. It soars high above the cliffs and open landscapes, hunting mammals such as hares and marmots.

Ural Owl (Strix uralensis)
This large nocturnal predator is commonly found in old-growth forests, where it preys on rodents and small birds. Its haunting hoots can often be heard at night, adding to the park’s mystical atmosphere.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of Europe’s largest owls, the eagle-owl has striking orange eyes and a deep, powerful call. It hunts at night, feeding on mammals, birds, and even other raptors.

Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)
Less common than its white counterpart, the black stork is a secretive and elegant bird that nests in remote forested areas. It wades through rivers and wetlands in search of fish and amphibians.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
A master of speed, the peregrine falcon is known for its breathtaking hunting technique, reaching speeds of over 300 km/h when diving for prey. It often nests on cliffs within the park.

Hazel Grouse (Tetrastes bonasia)
A small, elusive forest bird, the hazel grouse camouflages well among the trees. It feeds on buds, leaves, and insects and is often detected by its subtle, whistling calls.

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
As mentioned earlier, this large grouse is one of the park’s most famous birds, displaying fascinating courtship behaviors during the breeding season.

Common Raven (Corvus corax)
Highly intelligent and adaptable, the raven is often seen soaring over the forests and rocky peaks. Known for its problem-solving abilities, it feeds on carrion, small animals, and even human scraps.

White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos)
A specialist of old-growth forests, this rare woodpecker relies on decaying trees for food, particularly wood-boring insects. Its loud drumming can be heard echoing through the trees.

Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria)
A striking bird with red and black wings, the wallcreeper is often found scaling vertical cliffs in search of insects. Its unique appearance and behavior make it a favorite among birdwatchers.

Muránska Planina National Park’s diverse landscapes support an extraordinary range of wildlife, making it a prime destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Popular

Muránska Planina National Park, located in central Slovakia, is a haven for diverse wildlife, featuring a mix of rugged limestone cliffs, deep forests, and sprawling meadows. This unique landscape provides habitat for many fascinating mammal and reptile species. Below are some of the more popular species found in the park.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
A top predator in the park, the Eurasian lynx is a secretive feline known for its tufted ears and powerful build. It primarily hunts deer and smaller mammals and thrives in the dense forests of Muránska Planina.

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
One of the most iconic species in the park, the brown bear roams the vast forests in search of berries, roots, insects, and occasionally small mammals. Though elusive, signs of its presence, such as tracks and claw marks on trees, can often be spotted.

European Wildcat (Felis silvestris)
This shy and elusive feline resembles a large domestic cat but is more robust with a bushier tail. Preferring dense woodland areas, it preys on rodents, birds, and rabbits.

Gray Wolf (Canis lupus)
Wolves are an integral part of the park’s ecosystem, helping regulate prey populations such as deer and wild boar. They are highly social animals, living in packs and covering vast territories.

Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra)
An agile and sure-footed species, the chamois is well-adapted to the rocky cliffs and high-altitude meadows of the park. These goat-antelope hybrids are known for their swift movements and ability to navigate steep terrain with ease.

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) (Not a Mammal, but Notable)
Though a bird, this large grouse is one of the most striking animals in the park, known for its elaborate courtship display. Males perform dramatic strutting and vocalizations to attract females in dense conifer forests.

European Otter (Lutra lutra)
Found in the park’s rivers and streams, the European otter is an excellent swimmer that feeds on fish, amphibians, and crustaceans. It is often active at dusk and dawn, making it challenging to spot.

Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)
One of the largest herbivores in the park, the red deer is a key prey species for wolves and lynxes. Males, or stags, grow impressive antlers and engage in dramatic rutting battles during the mating season.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
A highly adaptable species, wild boars are commonly found in the park’s forests, where they forage for roots, tubers, and small invertebrates. They are known for their intelligence and social nature, often moving in family groups.

Aesculapian Snake (Zamenis longissimus)
One of the largest snakes in Europe, the Aesculapian snake is non-venomous and primarily preys on small mammals and birds. It is an excellent climber and often found near forest edges and rocky outcrops.

Birds

Muránska Planina National Park is also home to a rich diversity of bird species, thriving in its forests, meadows, and rocky cliffs. Below are ten of the most notable birds found in the park.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
A symbol of power and grace, the golden eagle is one of the most impressive birds of prey in the park. It soars high above the cliffs and open landscapes, hunting mammals such as hares and marmots.

Ural Owl (Strix uralensis)
This large nocturnal predator is commonly found in old-growth forests, where it preys on rodents and small birds. Its haunting hoots can often be heard at night, adding to the park’s mystical atmosphere.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of Europe’s largest owls, the eagle-owl has striking orange eyes and a deep, powerful call. It hunts at night, feeding on mammals, birds, and even other raptors.

Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)
Less common than its white counterpart, the black stork is a secretive and elegant bird that nests in remote forested areas. It wades through rivers and wetlands in search of fish and amphibians.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
A master of speed, the peregrine falcon is known for its breathtaking hunting technique, reaching speeds of over 300 km/h when diving for prey. It often nests on cliffs within the park.

Hazel Grouse (Tetrastes bonasia)
A small, elusive forest bird, the hazel grouse camouflages well among the trees. It feeds on buds, leaves, and insects and is often detected by its subtle, whistling calls.

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
As mentioned earlier, this large grouse is one of the park’s most famous birds, displaying fascinating courtship behaviors during the breeding season.

Common Raven (Corvus corax)
Highly intelligent and adaptable, the raven is often seen soaring over the forests and rocky peaks. Known for its problem-solving abilities, it feeds on carrion, small animals, and even human scraps.

White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos)
A specialist of old-growth forests, this rare woodpecker relies on decaying trees for food, particularly wood-boring insects. Its loud drumming can be heard echoing through the trees.

Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria)
A striking bird with red and black wings, the wallcreeper is often found scaling vertical cliffs in search of insects. Its unique appearance and behavior make it a favorite among birdwatchers.

Muránska Planina National Park’s diverse landscapes support an extraordinary range of wildlife, making it a prime destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.