Söderåsen National Park

Birds

Söderåsen National Park is also home to a rich diversity of bird species, many of which thrive in its deep forests, rocky cliffs, and wetland areas. Birdwatchers visiting the park can spot several fascinating species throughout the year.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of Europe’s largest owls, the Eurasian eagle-owl has striking orange eyes and powerful talons. It is primarily nocturnal and preys on mammals and birds.

Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius)
This large woodpecker is easily recognizable by its black plumage and red crown. It drills large holes into trees in search of insects and is often heard before being seen.

Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europaea)
A small, agile bird that moves up and down tree trunks with ease, the Eurasian nuthatch has blue-gray upperparts and a black eye stripe. It feeds on insects and seeds.

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
A soaring bird of prey often seen gliding above the park’s valleys, the common buzzard has broad wings and a varied plumage of brown and white. It hunts small mammals and birds.

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
Often found near lakes and wetlands, the grey heron is a tall wading bird with long legs and a sharp beak, perfect for catching fish and amphibians.

Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius)
This colorful member of the crow family has a mix of pinkish-brown feathers with bright blue wing patches. It is known for its intelligence and ability to mimic sounds.

European Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis)
With its distinctive green plumage and red crown, this woodpecker is more often heard than seen, calling loudly from the treetops as it searches for ants on the ground.

Tawny Owl (Strix aluco)
A resident of Söderåsen’s dense forests, the tawny owl has a round head and dark eyes. Its hooting call is a familiar nighttime sound in the park.

Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus)
A small, migratory songbird, the willow warbler is known for its melodic song and active foraging among leaves for insects.

Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
A small falcon often seen hovering in search of prey, the common kestrel has a reddish-brown body and sharp eyesight, making it a skilled hunter of small mammals and insects.

Söderåsen National Park, located in southern Sweden, is known for its dramatic landscapes, deep valleys, lush forests, and striking cliffs. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including large mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. The diverse ecosystems provide a haven for species adapted to both forested and wetland environments.

European Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
A common sight in the park, roe deer are small, graceful deer with reddish-brown coats in summer and grayish coats in winter. They are most active during dawn and dusk and are often seen grazing in meadows or moving silently through the forest.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
This adaptable predator is found throughout Söderåsen’s forests. The red fox has a distinctive bushy tail and sharp features, with fur that ranges from deep red to lighter shades of brown and gray. It is an opportunistic hunter and scavenger.

European Badger (Meles meles)
These nocturnal mammals are known for their black-and-white striped faces and strong, stocky builds. Badgers dig complex burrow systems, called setts, and are mostly active at night, foraging for earthworms, insects, and small mammals.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
A rare and elusive predator in the park, the Eurasian lynx is Sweden’s largest wild cat. It has a thick coat with spots, tufted ears, and a short tail. This solitary hunter preys on deer and small mammals.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
Wild boars roam the forested areas of Söderåsen, often rooting through the soil in search of roots, insects, and other food sources. They are robust animals with coarse fur, sharp tusks, and a strong sense of smell.

Western European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
A small, spiny mammal that is mostly nocturnal, the European hedgehog is a common resident in the park. It feeds on insects, worms, and small invertebrates, curling into a ball when threatened.

Grass Snake (Natrix natrix)
One of the non-venomous snakes found in the park, the grass snake is commonly seen near water bodies. It has a distinctive yellow or white collar behind its head and preys on amphibians such as frogs.

Common European Adder (Vipera berus)
The only venomous snake in Sweden, the adder is often found basking in the sun along trails and clearings. It has a characteristic zigzag pattern along its back and varies in color from gray to brown and black.

Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra)
Found in the streams and lakes of Söderåsen, the Eurasian otter is a sleek, aquatic mammal with webbed feet and thick, water-repellent fur. It is an excellent swimmer and feeds on fish, amphibians, and small aquatic creatures.

European Pine Marten (Martes martes)
This agile predator has a slender body, sharp claws, and a bushy tail. The pine marten is adept at climbing trees and preys on small rodents, birds, and insects.