Pieniny National Park Slovakia

Birds

The diverse habitats of Pieniny National Park support a wide variety of bird species, from birds of prey to woodland songbirds. The park’s limestone cliffs, dense forests, and riverbanks provide perfect nesting grounds for many avian species.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
One of the most majestic raptors in Europe, the golden eagle soars high above the park, hunting for hares, foxes, and other small mammals. It is a symbol of wilderness and strength.

Ural Owl (Strix uralensis)
A large, powerful owl with a distinctive facial disc and deep hoots, the Ural owl is an expert hunter of rodents and small birds. It thrives in the dense woodlands of the park.

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
This brilliantly colored bird is often seen along the Dunajec River, where it dives into the water to catch fish. Its iridescent blue and orange plumage makes it one of the most striking birds in the park.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Known as the fastest bird in the world, the peregrine falcon is an expert hunter that preys on other birds mid-flight. It nests on the park’s high cliffs and rocky outcrops.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of the largest owls in the world, the eagle-owl is a powerful nocturnal predator. It feeds on a variety of prey, including mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)
Unlike the more common white stork, the black stork is more secretive and prefers quiet, forested wetlands. It feeds on fish, amphibians, and small invertebrates.

Wood Warbler (Phylloscopus sibilatrix)
A small but vibrant songbird, the wood warbler is known for its melodious and trilling calls. It thrives in deciduous forests, feeding on insects and spiders.

European Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
Specializing in feeding on wasps and bees, the honey buzzard has a unique adaptation that allows it to raid nests without getting stung. It is a summer visitor to the park.

White-throated Dipper (Cinclus cinclus)
This remarkable bird is often seen bobbing along rocky riverbanks. It is an excellent underwater swimmer, using its wings to propel itself while hunting for aquatic insects.

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
Although already mentioned in the mammal section, the capercaillie deserves another mention as a vital part of the park’s ecosystem. It thrives in old-growth forests and is famous for its dramatic courtship displays.

Pieniny National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into some of Central Europe’s most iconic and elusive species.

Popular

Pieniny National Park, located in northern Slovakia along the Dunajec River, is known for its stunning limestone formations, deep gorges, and rich biodiversity. The park is home to a variety of mammals, amphibians, and reptiles that thrive in its forests and meadows.

European Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
One of the most powerful predators in the park, the European brown bear roams the dense forests in search of food, primarily berries, nuts, and small mammals. Though rarely seen, their presence is crucial for maintaining ecological balance.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
This elusive and solitary feline is a top predator in the park, preying on deer and smaller mammals. Recognizable by its tufted ears and powerful build, the Eurasian lynx is a symbol of a healthy ecosystem.

Grey Wolf (Canis lupus)
A highly adaptable predator, the grey wolf plays a key role in controlling herbivore populations. Wolves in Pieniny National Park live in small packs and are known for their intelligence and strong social bonds.

European Badger (Meles meles)
A nocturnal mammal, the European badger is a skilled digger that creates complex underground burrows called setts. It is an omnivore, feeding on roots, insects, small mammals, and fruits.

Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra)
Thriving in the park’s rivers and streams, the Eurasian otter is an excellent swimmer that preys on fish and amphibians. Its playful nature and streamlined body make it a fascinating species to observe.

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
Although a bird, this large woodland grouse is worth mentioning due to its striking courtship displays and deep-rooted presence in the park’s mixed forests. Males perform elaborate mating dances to attract females.

European Pine Marten (Martes martes)
An agile tree-dwelling carnivore, the pine marten is known for its slender body and thick, dark fur. It feeds on small rodents, birds, and fruits, playing an essential role in forest ecosystems.

Carpathian Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra carpatica)
A subspecies of the chamois, this agile mountain goat-like mammal is perfectly adapted to the rocky cliffs and steep slopes of the park. It is known for its remarkable climbing abilities and keen eyesight.

Fire Salamander (Salamandra salamandra)
This striking black-and-yellow amphibian is one of the park’s most well-known species. It prefers moist, shaded areas and secretes toxins as a defense against predators.

Smooth Snake (Coronella austriaca)
A non-venomous reptile, the smooth snake is often mistaken for a viper but is harmless to humans. It preys on small rodents and lizards, helping control their populations.

Birds

The diverse habitats of Pieniny National Park support a wide variety of bird species, from birds of prey to woodland songbirds. The park’s limestone cliffs, dense forests, and riverbanks provide perfect nesting grounds for many avian species.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
One of the most majestic raptors in Europe, the golden eagle soars high above the park, hunting for hares, foxes, and other small mammals. It is a symbol of wilderness and strength.

Ural Owl (Strix uralensis)
A large, powerful owl with a distinctive facial disc and deep hoots, the Ural owl is an expert hunter of rodents and small birds. It thrives in the dense woodlands of the park.

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
This brilliantly colored bird is often seen along the Dunajec River, where it dives into the water to catch fish. Its iridescent blue and orange plumage makes it one of the most striking birds in the park.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Known as the fastest bird in the world, the peregrine falcon is an expert hunter that preys on other birds mid-flight. It nests on the park’s high cliffs and rocky outcrops.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of the largest owls in the world, the eagle-owl is a powerful nocturnal predator. It feeds on a variety of prey, including mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)
Unlike the more common white stork, the black stork is more secretive and prefers quiet, forested wetlands. It feeds on fish, amphibians, and small invertebrates.

Wood Warbler (Phylloscopus sibilatrix)
A small but vibrant songbird, the wood warbler is known for its melodious and trilling calls. It thrives in deciduous forests, feeding on insects and spiders.

European Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
Specializing in feeding on wasps and bees, the honey buzzard has a unique adaptation that allows it to raid nests without getting stung. It is a summer visitor to the park.

White-throated Dipper (Cinclus cinclus)
This remarkable bird is often seen bobbing along rocky riverbanks. It is an excellent underwater swimmer, using its wings to propel itself while hunting for aquatic insects.

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
Although already mentioned in the mammal section, the capercaillie deserves another mention as a vital part of the park’s ecosystem. It thrives in old-growth forests and is famous for its dramatic courtship displays.

Pieniny National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into some of Central Europe’s most iconic and elusive species.