Ängsö National Park

Popular

Ängsö National Park, located in Sweden, is known for its rich biodiversity, particularly its well-preserved meadows and coastal landscapes. While the park is more famous for its flora, it also supports a variety of fascinating wildlife. Below are some of the more popular species that inhabit the park:

European Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
The European roe deer is a small, agile species commonly found in the woodlands and meadows of Ängsö. They are easily recognizable by their reddish-brown fur and short antlers in males. These deer are most active during dawn and dusk, foraging on grasses, leaves, and shrubs.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
The red fox is a highly adaptable and cunning predator that thrives in the park. With its distinctive reddish coat, bushy tail, and sharp features, it is one of the most commonly sighted mammals. Foxes in Ängsö primarily feed on small mammals, birds, and berries.

Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra)
A semi-aquatic species, the Eurasian otter is found along the park’s waterways and coastal areas. It has a sleek, brown coat and is an excellent swimmer. The otter preys on fish, amphibians, and crustaceans, playing a crucial role in the local aquatic ecosystem.

European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
This nocturnal creature is a common sight in Ängsö’s meadows and forests. The European hedgehog is covered in sharp spines and curls into a ball when threatened. It primarily feeds on insects, worms, and small invertebrates, contributing to pest control in the ecosystem.

European Badger (Meles meles)
A burrowing mammal, the European badger is known for its distinctive black and white face markings. These nocturnal animals live in complex underground tunnel systems called setts and primarily feed on earthworms, fruits, and small mammals.

Western Moose (Alces alces)
The largest member of the deer family, the western moose can occasionally be seen in Ängsö’s forested areas. They are easily identified by their massive size, long legs, and palmate antlers (in males). Moose primarily graze on aquatic vegetation, leaves, and twigs.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
Wild boars are found in the denser parts of the park, where they root through the ground searching for food. These powerful animals have thick, bristly coats and sharp tusks. They are omnivorous, consuming everything from roots and tubers to small vertebrates.

European Pine Marten (Martes martes)
A nimble tree-dweller, the European pine marten is an elusive species found in the park’s woodlands. It has a sleek, brown coat with a distinctive yellowish throat patch. These martens hunt small mammals, birds, and insects and are known for their agility in climbing trees.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
This elusive and solitary feline is Sweden’s largest wild cat. The Eurasian lynx has a spotted coat, tufted ears, and a short tail. It primarily hunts roe deer, hares, and smaller mammals, making it an apex predator within the park.

Common European Adder (Vipera berus)
The only venomous snake in Sweden, the common European adder can be found in the park’s open grasslands and forest edges. It has a distinct zigzag pattern along its back and is relatively shy, often avoiding human contact. Its bite is rarely fatal but can cause discomfort.

Birds

Ängsö National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, offering a mix of coastal, meadow, and woodland habitats that support diverse bird species. Here are some of the most commonly seen birds in the park:

White-Tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
One of Europe’s largest birds of prey, the white-tailed eagle has a massive wingspan and a characteristic pale head and tail. This majestic raptor is often seen soaring above the park’s coastal waters, hunting for fish and waterfowl.

Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)
Easily recognizable by its black-and-white plumage and bright orange-red bill, the Eurasian oystercatcher is a common shorebird in Ängsö. It primarily feeds on mollusks and crustaceans along the coast.

Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)
This large sea duck is often spotted in the park’s coastal areas. Males have striking black-and-white plumage, while females are brownish for better camouflage. They dive underwater to catch shellfish and other small marine organisms.

Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis)
A migratory species, the barnacle goose stops at Ängsö during its seasonal migrations. With its black-and-white body and distinctive face markings, it is a favorite among birdwatchers. These geese graze in meadows and coastal areas.

Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)
Recognizable by its iridescent green plumage and distinct crest, the northern lapwing is a common wader in the park’s wetlands. It performs dramatic aerial displays during the breeding season and feeds on insects and small invertebrates.

Great Grey Owl (Strix nebulosa)
A silent and powerful hunter, the great grey owl is a rare but thrilling sight in Ängsö’s forests. With its large, round face and piercing yellow eyes, it preys on small mammals, mainly rodents, in the park’s meadows and woodlands.

European Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus)
A nocturnal bird that blends in perfectly with its surroundings, the European nightjar is best known for its distinctive churring call. It feeds on moths and other flying insects during twilight hours.

Common Redshank (Tringa totanus)
This medium-sized wader has striking red legs and a slightly upturned bill. It is often seen foraging along the park’s muddy shores, searching for worms, insects, and small crustaceans.

Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius)
One of the largest woodpecker species in Europe, the black woodpecker has striking black plumage and a red cap. It uses its powerful beak to bore into trees, searching for ants and beetle larvae.

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
This small but vibrant bird is a highlight of Ängsö’s waterways. With its electric blue and orange plumage, the kingfisher is often seen darting over the water, hunting for small fish and aquatic insects.

Ängsö National Park offers a remarkable variety of wildlife, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike.