Skuleskogen National Park

Birds

Skuleskogen National Park is also home to a diverse bird population, with many species thriving in its forests, wetlands, and coastal areas. These birds range from large raptors to small songbirds, making the park a prime destination for birdwatching.

White-tailed Eagle
One of Europe’s largest birds of prey, the white-tailed eagle soars over the coastal cliffs of Skuleskogen. It hunts fish, waterfowl, and carrion, using its powerful talons to grasp prey.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl
A formidable nocturnal predator, the Eurasian eagle-owl is known for its deep hoots and piercing orange eyes. It preys on small mammals and birds, often hunting at night in the park’s forests.

Black Woodpecker
Easily recognized by its striking black plumage and red crown, the black woodpecker excavates large tree cavities in search of insects. Its drumming can often be heard throughout the park.

Common Raven
Intelligent and highly adaptable, ravens are frequently seen soaring over the park or scavenging for food. They are known for their problem-solving abilities and wide range of vocalizations.

Western Capercaillie
This large forest-dwelling bird is famous for its elaborate mating displays, where males fan their tail feathers and make deep, resonant calls. It thrives in Skuleskogen’s old-growth forests.

Eurasian Pygmy Owl
One of the smallest owls in Europe, the Eurasian pygmy owl is active during the day and hunts small birds and mammals. It is often found perched on tree branches, surveying its surroundings.

Bohemian Waxwing
This elegant bird, with its silky plumage and distinctive red-tipped wing feathers, feeds on berries and insects. It often gathers in flocks during winter in the park’s berry-rich areas.

Great Grey Owl
A ghostly presence in the dense forests, the great grey owl is a silent hunter, using its keen hearing to detect prey beneath the snow. Its large facial disc helps direct sound to its ears.

Northern Goshawk
A powerful raptor, the northern goshawk is an agile hunter that preys on birds and small mammals. It is often seen darting through the forest canopy in pursuit of prey.

Willow Ptarmigan
This well-camouflaged bird changes color with the seasons, sporting brown plumage in summer and white in winter. It inhabits the park’s boreal forests and shrublands, foraging on twigs and buds.

Skuleskogen National Park’s rich biodiversity makes it a haven for both wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers, offering visitors a chance to observe some of Sweden’s most iconic species in their natural habitat.

Popular

Skuleskogen National Park, located in Sweden, is known for its dramatic landscapes, ancient forests, and striking coastal views along the Gulf of Bothnia. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including large mammals and smaller forest-dwelling species that thrive in its rugged terrain.

Eurasian Lynx
A stealthy predator, the Eurasian lynx is one of the top carnivores in Skuleskogen. With its tufted ears, thick fur, and strong limbs, it is well-adapted to the cold Swedish winters. It primarily hunts deer and smaller mammals.

Moose (European Elk)
The largest land animal in Sweden, moose roam freely throughout the park. These massive herbivores are commonly seen in forested areas, grazing on leaves, bark, and aquatic vegetation.

Red Fox
Highly adaptable, the red fox is frequently spotted in Skuleskogen. Its diet consists of small mammals, birds, insects, and berries. The fox is known for its intelligence and resourcefulness in hunting.

European Badger
A nocturnal forager, the European badger is a common but rarely seen resident of the park. It lives in complex underground burrow systems and feeds on earthworms, insects, and small vertebrates.

Roe Deer
Smaller than the moose, roe deer are elegant and agile creatures found throughout Skuleskogen. They are most active at dawn and dusk, feeding on grasses, leaves, and twigs.

European Pine Marten
This elusive and agile carnivore is often found in dense forests. It preys on small rodents, birds, and insects and is known for its climbing ability, often foraging in trees.

Western Capercaillie (Mammal Section: Mentioned for Behavior)
Although technically a bird, the capercaillie is noteworthy for its large size and impressive courtship displays. It is often seen in the park’s old-growth forests, foraging for pine needles and berries.

Mountain Hare
The mountain hare, with its seasonal white winter coat, is a common sight in Skuleskogen. It is well-adapted to the park’s harsh winters, feeding on bark, shrubs, and mosses.

Otter
A playful and skilled swimmer, the otter inhabits Skuleskogen’s rivers and coastal waters. It preys on fish, amphibians, and crustaceans, thriving in clean and undisturbed waterways.

European Hedgehog
This small, nocturnal mammal is often found in meadows and forest edges. It feeds on insects, snails, and small vertebrates, curling into a spiny ball when threatened.

Birds

Skuleskogen National Park is also home to a diverse bird population, with many species thriving in its forests, wetlands, and coastal areas. These birds range from large raptors to small songbirds, making the park a prime destination for birdwatching.

White-tailed Eagle
One of Europe’s largest birds of prey, the white-tailed eagle soars over the coastal cliffs of Skuleskogen. It hunts fish, waterfowl, and carrion, using its powerful talons to grasp prey.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl
A formidable nocturnal predator, the Eurasian eagle-owl is known for its deep hoots and piercing orange eyes. It preys on small mammals and birds, often hunting at night in the park’s forests.

Black Woodpecker
Easily recognized by its striking black plumage and red crown, the black woodpecker excavates large tree cavities in search of insects. Its drumming can often be heard throughout the park.

Common Raven
Intelligent and highly adaptable, ravens are frequently seen soaring over the park or scavenging for food. They are known for their problem-solving abilities and wide range of vocalizations.

Western Capercaillie
This large forest-dwelling bird is famous for its elaborate mating displays, where males fan their tail feathers and make deep, resonant calls. It thrives in Skuleskogen’s old-growth forests.

Eurasian Pygmy Owl
One of the smallest owls in Europe, the Eurasian pygmy owl is active during the day and hunts small birds and mammals. It is often found perched on tree branches, surveying its surroundings.

Bohemian Waxwing
This elegant bird, with its silky plumage and distinctive red-tipped wing feathers, feeds on berries and insects. It often gathers in flocks during winter in the park’s berry-rich areas.

Great Grey Owl
A ghostly presence in the dense forests, the great grey owl is a silent hunter, using its keen hearing to detect prey beneath the snow. Its large facial disc helps direct sound to its ears.

Northern Goshawk
A powerful raptor, the northern goshawk is an agile hunter that preys on birds and small mammals. It is often seen darting through the forest canopy in pursuit of prey.

Willow Ptarmigan
This well-camouflaged bird changes color with the seasons, sporting brown plumage in summer and white in winter. It inhabits the park’s boreal forests and shrublands, foraging on twigs and buds.

Skuleskogen National Park’s rich biodiversity makes it a haven for both wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers, offering visitors a chance to observe some of Sweden’s most iconic species in their natural habitat.