Vadvetjakka National Park

Birds

Vadvetjakka National Park’s remote Arctic landscape provides a home for many bird species, particularly those adapted to tundra and alpine conditions. Many migratory birds use the park as a breeding ground in the summer before heading south for the winter.

Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus)
This powerful falcon is the largest of its kind and a top predator in the park’s avian world. It preys on ptarmigans and other birds, using its incredible speed and agility to hunt.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
A majestic raptor, the golden eagle is a common sight soaring over the park’s rugged terrain. It hunts hares, foxes, and birds, relying on its keen eyesight and powerful talons.

Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus)
A master of camouflage, this bird changes from brown in summer to white in winter to blend in with the snowy landscape. It is a vital food source for many predators, including gyrfalcons and foxes.

Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta)
Similar to the willow ptarmigan, this species thrives in the rocky and mountainous areas of the park. It is well-adapted to the harsh climate and provides an important link in the Arctic food web.

Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)
A rare but spectacular sight in the park, the snowy owl is a skilled hunter of lemmings and other small mammals. Its striking white plumage blends perfectly into the winter landscape.

Rough-legged Buzzard (Buteo lagopus)
This migratory bird of prey breeds in the Arctic and preys on rodents and small birds. It is named for its feathered legs, which help it stay warm in the cold environment.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
These large, elegant swans can be found in the park’s lakes and wetlands during the breeding season. Their loud calls and graceful flight make them one of the most striking birds in the region.

Common Redpoll (Acanthis flammea)
A small but hardy finch, the common redpoll survives the Arctic winters by feeding on birch seeds and using snow burrows for insulation. Its red forehead patch gives it a distinctive look.

Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus)
This woodpecker is well adapted to the northern forests, where it searches for insects hidden in tree bark. Its drumming can often be heard in the quieter parts of the park.

Long-tailed Jaeger (Stercorarius longicaudus)
A skilled aerial hunter, the long-tailed jaeger is a migratory seabird that breeds in tundra regions like Vadvetjakka. It is known for its acrobatic flying and habit of stealing food from other birds.

Vadvetjakka National Park’s remote location and pristine wilderness make it a haven for Arctic wildlife, from powerful raptors to elusive mammals. Visitors lucky enough to explore this untouched landscape may catch a glimpse of some of these incredible species in their natural habitat.

Vadvetjakka National Park, located in the far north of Sweden, is one of the most remote and least visited parks in the country. This Arctic wilderness is characterized by rugged mountains, deep valleys, and pristine tundra, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife. The harsh climate and limited human disturbance allow many species to thrive in this extreme environment.

Wolverine (Gulo gulo)
The elusive wolverine is one of the top predators in the park. This powerful and resilient carnivore is known for its incredible endurance and ability to survive in harsh Arctic conditions. It primarily scavenges but is also capable of hunting small mammals and birds.

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
Brown bears roam the park’s forests and valleys, foraging for berries, insects, and small mammals. Although solitary by nature, they are a key part of the park’s ecosystem and are often spotted in the late summer before hibernation.

Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus)
Perfectly adapted to the Arctic environment, the Arctic fox is a small but resilient predator that changes its coat color from white in winter to brown in summer. It preys on lemmings, birds, and carrion left behind by larger predators.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
This elusive and stealthy feline is a master of the northern forests. It preys mainly on hares and small ungulates, using its keen eyesight and sharp claws to ambush its prey.

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)
Reindeer are common in the park, with both wild and semi-domesticated populations present. They are well-adapted to the cold, using their large hooves to dig through snow in search of lichen, their primary winter food source.

Moose (Alces alces)
Moose are the largest land mammals in the park, often seen foraging near water sources or in forested areas. They primarily eat aquatic plants, shrubs, and tree bark, making them a crucial part of the local ecosystem.

Mountain Hare (Lepus timidus)
This hare species is well-adapted to the extreme winters, with a coat that turns white to provide camouflage against the snow. It is a key prey species for many of the park’s carnivores.

Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra)
Although mainly associated with rivers and wetlands, the Eurasian otter can be found in Vadvetjakka’s streams and lakes, where it hunts fish and amphibians. Its thick fur helps it withstand cold water temperatures.

Stoat (Mustela erminea)
Also known as the ermine in its winter coat, the stoat is a small but fierce predator. It preys on rodents and birds, using its speed and agility to catch its meals.

Lemming (Lemmus lemmus)
A vital part of the Arctic food chain, lemmings experience dramatic population cycles that directly impact the numbers of predators like Arctic foxes and owls. They burrow under the snow in winter to survive the harsh conditions.