Stora Sjöfallet National Park

Birds

Stora Sjöfallet National Park hosts a variety of bird species, many of which thrive in the harsh Arctic and subarctic environments. From majestic birds of prey to waterfowl and elusive songbirds, the park offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
One of Europe’s most powerful raptors, the golden eagle soars over the mountains and valleys of the park. It preys on hares, ptarmigans, and even small reindeer calves, using its keen eyesight and powerful talons to hunt.

Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus)
The largest of all falcons, the gyrfalcon is a rare but spectacular sight in the park. It prefers rocky cliffs for nesting and hunts ptarmigans and small mammals with incredible speed and precision.

Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus)
The willow ptarmigan is a master of camouflage, changing its plumage from brown in summer to pure white in winter. It inhabits the tundra and alpine areas, foraging on buds, leaves, and insects.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
A large, elegant waterfowl, the whooper swan is a common sight in the park’s lakes and rivers. Its loud, trumpeting calls echo across the landscape, signaling the arrival of spring and summer.

Raven (Corvus corax)
Highly intelligent and adaptable, the raven is one of the most common birds in the park. It scavenges on carrion, interacts playfully with other birds, and even mimics sounds in the wild.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
The osprey is a skilled fisher, frequently seen diving into lakes and rivers to catch fish with its sharp talons. These migratory birds return to Sweden each summer to breed before heading south for the winter.

Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)
A rare but striking visitor, the snowy owl is best known for its stunning white plumage. It preys on lemmings and other small mammals and is well adapted to the Arctic tundra.

Common Redpoll (Acanthis flammea)
A small, hardy songbird, the common redpoll thrives in the boreal forests of the park. It feeds on birch seeds and often flocks together in large numbers during winter.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
The Eurasian eagle-owl is one of the largest owls in the world. With piercing orange eyes and a powerful build, it hunts rabbits, rodents, and even other birds in the park’s forests and rocky outcrops.

Black-throated Loon (Gavia arctica)
A graceful diving bird, the black-throated loon breeds in the park’s lakes, where it catches fish underwater. Its eerie, echoing calls contribute to the park’s tranquil and mysterious atmosphere.

Stora Sjöfallet National Park, located in northern Sweden within the Laponian Area, is known for its rugged mountainous terrain, deep valleys, vast alpine plateaus, and ancient forests. The park provides habitat for a range of fascinating wildlife, including large mammals and elusive predators adapted to the harsh Arctic environment.

Moose (Alces alces)
The moose, or Eurasian elk, is one of the largest land mammals in the park. These solitary giants roam the forests and marshlands, feeding on twigs, leaves, and aquatic plants. Their impressive antlers, found on males, make them a striking sight in the wild.

Wolverine (Gulo gulo)
A rare and elusive predator, the wolverine is known for its strength and tenacity. Despite its small size relative to other carnivores, it can take down prey much larger than itself. The park’s vast wilderness provides a refuge for this species, which relies on secrecy and solitude to survive.

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
The brown bear, one of Europe’s largest carnivores, roams the remote parts of Stora Sjöfallet. These powerful omnivores feed on berries, fish, small mammals, and carrion. Though mostly shy, they are a symbol of Sweden’s wild nature.

Lynx (Lynx lynx)
The Eurasian lynx is a stealthy and well-camouflaged feline that inhabits the park’s dense forests. With tufted ears and a thick winter coat, it is a skilled hunter of hares and small deer, relying on ambush tactics to catch its prey.

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)
Reindeer are an iconic species of the Arctic and subarctic regions, and in Stora Sjöfallet, they are semi-domesticated, herded by the indigenous Sámi people. These hardy animals have adapted to the harsh environment, using their specialized hooves to dig through snow for lichen.

Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus)
Once widespread, the Arctic fox has become a rare sight in the park due to competition with the larger red fox. It is well-adapted to the freezing temperatures, with thick fur that changes color from white in winter to brown in summer for camouflage.

Beaver (Castor fiber)
Beavers are important ecosystem engineers, creating wetlands by damming rivers and streams. These industrious rodents play a key role in maintaining the park’s waterways, benefiting other species by increasing habitat diversity.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
The adaptable red fox is one of the most common predators in Stora Sjöfallet. It thrives in a variety of habitats, from tundra to forest, preying on small mammals, birds, and carrion. It is known for its intelligence and opportunistic hunting behavior.

Wolf (Canis lupus)
Though rare in the park, the gray wolf remains a powerful symbol of Sweden’s wildlands. Wolves live in packs and are highly social, preying on moose, deer, and smaller mammals. Their presence helps regulate prey populations and maintain ecological balance.

Muskox (Ovibos moschatus)
Occasionally spotted in the broader region, muskoxen are remnants of the Ice Age, with thick, woolly coats that allow them to endure extreme cold. Though not common in Stora Sjöfallet, their potential presence in nearby areas adds to the park’s Arctic character.