Poloniny National Park

Birds

Poloniny National Park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of avian species that thrive in its vast forests, meadows, and wetlands. From majestic birds of prey to colorful songbirds, the park provides crucial habitats for many species, some of which are rare or endangered.

Golden Eagle
A powerful and majestic bird of prey, the golden eagle soars over the park’s rugged terrain, hunting for hares, foxes, and smaller birds. It is a symbol of wilderness and freedom in the region.

Ural Owl
This large, nocturnal owl is known for its deep, hooting call and can often be found in the park’s ancient beech forests. With excellent night vision and silent flight, it is a skilled predator of rodents and small birds.

Black Stork
Less common than its white counterpart, the black stork prefers secluded wetland areas and forests. It is a shy bird that feeds on fish, amphibians, and insects along riverbanks.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl
One of the largest owl species in the world, the Eurasian eagle-owl has striking orange eyes and powerful talons. It preys on mammals, birds, and even smaller raptors.

White-tailed Eagle
This massive bird of prey is a master of the skies, often seen gliding over lakes and rivers in search of fish. It is one of Europe’s largest eagles and is a conservation success story in Slovakia.

European Honey Buzzard
A unique raptor that specializes in feeding on wasp nests and larvae, the European honey buzzard is a summer visitor to Poloniny. It is known for its distinctively long wings and soaring flight.

Black Woodpecker
The largest woodpecker in Europe, the black woodpecker has a striking all-black body with a red crown. It plays a key role in forest ecosystems by creating nesting cavities used by other birds and mammals.

Grey-headed Woodpecker
A close relative of the green woodpecker, this species prefers old-growth forests and feeds mainly on ants and beetle larvae. Its drumming sounds can often be heard echoing through the woods.

Red-breasted Flycatcher
A small but beautiful songbird, the red-breasted flycatcher is known for its melodious calls and vibrant orange-red throat. It thrives in mixed and deciduous forests during the breeding season.

Common Raven
Intelligent and adaptable, the common raven is one of the park’s most intriguing birds. It is highly social and capable of problem-solving, often scavenging food and mimicking sounds.

Poloniny National Park remains a sanctuary for some of Europe’s most remarkable wildlife, offering a glimpse into the region’s pristine ecosystems and the importance of conservation efforts.

Popular

Poloniny National Park, located in the northeastern corner of Slovakia, is a remote and biodiverse region known for its dense beech forests, rich wildlife, and one of the last remaining European primeval forests. The park is home to a variety of large mammals and other fascinating creatures, making it a unique conservation area in Central Europe.

European Bison
Once extinct in the wild, the European bison has been successfully reintroduced to Poloniny National Park. These massive herbivores roam the park’s meadows and forests, playing a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem by preventing overgrowth.

Eurasian Lynx
A secretive and elusive predator, the Eurasian lynx thrives in the park’s dense woodlands. With its keen eyesight and powerful build, this medium-sized wild cat preys on deer and other small mammals.

Gray Wolf
A key predator in the park, the gray wolf helps regulate prey populations, maintaining ecological balance. Wolves travel in packs and are known for their intelligence, adaptability, and strong social structures.

Brown Bear
One of the largest carnivores in Europe, the brown bear inhabits the vast forests of Poloniny. It is an omnivore, feeding on berries, roots, small mammals, and occasionally larger prey.

Red Deer
One of the most common large herbivores in the park, red deer are an important food source for predators like wolves and lynxes. Their impressive antlers and seasonal migrations make them a significant presence in the region.

Wild Boar
Wild boars are widespread throughout the park, using their strong snouts to dig for roots, tubers, and insects. They are known for their intelligence, adaptability, and occasional aggressive behavior.

European Wildcat
This elusive feline resembles a domestic cat but is larger, with a bushier tail and a more robust build. The European wildcat is a skilled hunter, feeding on rodents, birds, and small mammals.

Otter
Found in the park’s rivers and streams, the Eurasian otter is an agile swimmer that preys on fish and amphibians. Its presence indicates good water quality and a healthy aquatic ecosystem.

Western Capercaillie
This large forest grouse is known for its dramatic mating displays. Males have striking plumage and perform elaborate courtship dances to attract females in the dense woodlands of the park.

Fire Salamander
A striking amphibian with black and yellow markings, the fire salamander is commonly found in the damp forests and streams of Poloniny. It secretes toxins as a defense against predators.

Birds

Poloniny National Park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of avian species that thrive in its vast forests, meadows, and wetlands. From majestic birds of prey to colorful songbirds, the park provides crucial habitats for many species, some of which are rare or endangered.

Golden Eagle
A powerful and majestic bird of prey, the golden eagle soars over the park’s rugged terrain, hunting for hares, foxes, and smaller birds. It is a symbol of wilderness and freedom in the region.

Ural Owl
This large, nocturnal owl is known for its deep, hooting call and can often be found in the park’s ancient beech forests. With excellent night vision and silent flight, it is a skilled predator of rodents and small birds.

Black Stork
Less common than its white counterpart, the black stork prefers secluded wetland areas and forests. It is a shy bird that feeds on fish, amphibians, and insects along riverbanks.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl
One of the largest owl species in the world, the Eurasian eagle-owl has striking orange eyes and powerful talons. It preys on mammals, birds, and even smaller raptors.

White-tailed Eagle
This massive bird of prey is a master of the skies, often seen gliding over lakes and rivers in search of fish. It is one of Europe’s largest eagles and is a conservation success story in Slovakia.

European Honey Buzzard
A unique raptor that specializes in feeding on wasp nests and larvae, the European honey buzzard is a summer visitor to Poloniny. It is known for its distinctively long wings and soaring flight.

Black Woodpecker
The largest woodpecker in Europe, the black woodpecker has a striking all-black body with a red crown. It plays a key role in forest ecosystems by creating nesting cavities used by other birds and mammals.

Grey-headed Woodpecker
A close relative of the green woodpecker, this species prefers old-growth forests and feeds mainly on ants and beetle larvae. Its drumming sounds can often be heard echoing through the woods.

Red-breasted Flycatcher
A small but beautiful songbird, the red-breasted flycatcher is known for its melodious calls and vibrant orange-red throat. It thrives in mixed and deciduous forests during the breeding season.

Common Raven
Intelligent and adaptable, the common raven is one of the park’s most intriguing birds. It is highly social and capable of problem-solving, often scavenging food and mimicking sounds.

Poloniny National Park remains a sanctuary for some of Europe’s most remarkable wildlife, offering a glimpse into the region’s pristine ecosystems and the importance of conservation efforts.