Sweden’s varied landscapes — from coastal archipelagos and reed-fringed wetlands to boreal forests and mountain tundra — support a rich mix of resident and migratory birds. Local seasons and habitats shape when and where different species appear, so a little planning makes birding here especially rewarding.
There are 32 Birds of Sweden, ranging from Barnacle Goose to Whooper Swan. For each species you’ll find below Scientific name, Swedish name, Occurrence / habitat to help you spot, identify and learn about where each bird is most likely to occur.
When is the best time to see these species in Sweden?
Spring (April–June) and autumn migrations are prime for diversity: spring brings breeding visitors and bright plumages, while autumn concentrates migrants passing through. Winters are best for hardy residents and certain waterfowl; alpine and northern specialists are most visible in summer breeding season. Check local eBird/Artportalen reports for current hotspots.
Do I need to follow special rules when birdwatching these birds?
Yes — many species are protected under Swedish law and the EU Birds Directive. Avoid disturbing nests, keep distance with optics, stay on paths in sensitive habitats, and follow reserve signage. For research, ringing or access to protected areas, obtain permits from relevant authorities.
Birds of Sweden
| Common name | Scientific name | Swedish name | Occurrence / habitat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mallard | Anas platyrhynchos | Gråand | breeding, wetlands and urban parks |
| Mute Swan | Cygnus olor | Knölsvan | breeding, freshwater lakes and coastal bays |
| Whooper Swan | Cygnus cygnus | Sångsvan | breeding, wetlands and coastal meadows |
| Greylag Goose | Anser anser | Grågås | breeding, farmland, wetlands and coasts |
| Barnacle Goose | Branta leucopsis | Vitkindad gås | regular migrant/winter visitor, coasts and estuaries |
| Canada Goose | Branta canadensis | Kanadagås | breeding and resident, lakes, parks and farmland |
| Common Eider | Somateria mollissima | Ejder | breeding, rocky coasts and archipelagos |
| Common Shelduck | Tadorna tadorna | Gravand | regular coastal breeder and migrant, mudflats and estuaries |
| Great Crested Grebe | Podiceps cristatus | Skäggdopping | breeding, lakes and sheltered coastal waters |
| Great Cormorant | Phalacrocorax carbo | Storskarv | breeding, coastal cliffs and inland lakes |
| Eurasian Oystercatcher | Haematopus ostralegus | Strandskata | breeding, rocky shores and mudflats |
| Northern Lapwing | Vanellus vanellus | Tofsvipa | breeding and passage, farmland and wet grassland |
| Common Crane | Grus grus | Trana | breeding and passage, wetlands and open marshes |
| White-tailed Eagle | Haliaeetus albicilla | Havsörn | breeding, coastal cliffs, large lakes and archipelagos |
| Osprey | Pandion haliaetus | Fiskgjuse | summer breeder, lakes and coastal waters |
| Common Buzzard | Buteo buteo | Ormvråk | breeding and resident, farmland, woodland edges |
| Eurasian Sparrowhawk | Accipiter nisus | Sparvhök | breeding and resident, woodlands and urban areas |
| Peregrine Falcon | Falco peregrinus | Pilgrimsfalk | breeding and passage, cliffs and cities |
| Common Kingfisher | Alcedo atthis | Kungsfiskare | regular summer visitor, rivers, lakes and forest streams |
| European Robin | Erithacus rubecula | Rödhake | breeding and resident, gardens and woodland edges |
| Common Blackbird | Turdus merula | Koltrast | breeding and resident, gardens, parks and woodlands |
| Fieldfare | Turdus pilaris | Björktrast | winter visitor and passage, open countryside and orchards |
| Brambling | Fringilla montifringilla | Bergfink | winter visitor and passage, woodlands and feeders |
| Common Chaffinch | Fringilla coelebs | Bofink | breeding and resident, woodlands and gardens |
| House Sparrow | Passer domesticus | Gråsparv | breeding and urban resident, towns and farmland |
| Tree Sparrow | Passer montanus | Pilfink | breeding and resident, farmland hedges and villages |
| Great Tit | Parus major | Talgoxe | breeding and resident, woodlands and gardens |
| Blue Tit | Cyanistes caeruleus | Blåmes | breeding and resident, woodlands and gardens |
| Eurasian Jay | Garrulus glandarius | Nötskrika | breeding and resident, woodlands and parks |
| Eurasian Magpie | Pica pica | Skata | breeding and resident, farmland and urban areas |
| Common Gull | Larus canus | Gråtrut | breeding and passage, coasts, lakes and urban areas |
| Great Black-backed Gull | Larus marinus | Kattmås | regular coastal visitor and breeder, rocky shores |
Images and Descriptions
Mallard
Found across Sweden year-round and common in lakes, ponds and city parks. Easily recognized by the male’s glossy green head and the species’ adaptability to human environments.
Mute Swan
Widespread breeder, especially in southern and central Sweden. Large white swan with a distinctive black knob on the bill; often seen in family groups and notable for their loud hissing displays.
Whooper Swan
Breeds in northern and central Sweden and winters further south; common in spring and autumn migrations. Known for loud, trumpeting calls and V‑formation flights.
Greylag Goose
One of the most widespread geese in Sweden, breeding from south to north. Large grey goose often seen grazing in fields; ancestor of many feral populations.
Barnacle Goose
Regular on migratory routes and wintering sites on the west coast; colonies on offshore islands. Distinctive black‑and‑white head pattern; often forms large flocks.
Canada Goose
Common and increasingly resident across Sweden, especially in urban and agricultural areas. Large, noisy goose with a black neck and white cheek patch; often grazes on lawns.
Common Eider
Breeds along Sweden’s coasts and in the Baltic archipelago; common in northern and western seas. Large sea duck; males have striking black-and-white plumage and a soft down used in eiderdown.
Common Shelduck
Regular in southern Sweden and along coasts where it breeds on islands and tidal flats. Colorful with chestnut breast band; often seen in pairs or small flocks.
Great Crested Grebe
Common breeder across Sweden’s lakes and large ponds. Notable for elaborate courtship displays with head plumes and its ability to dive swiftly for fish.
Great Cormorant
Common coastal and inland waterbird in Sweden; colonies on rocky islets. Long, black diving bird often seen drying wings on rocks and posts after fishing.
Eurasian Oystercatcher
A familiar coastal breeder in Sweden, especially on islands and skerries. Striking black-and-white shorebird with a long orange bill used to open shellfish.
Northern Lapwing
Once very common farmland breeder across Sweden though declining; still widespread in suitable wet meadows. A distinctive crested bird with acrobatic flight displays in spring.
Common Crane
Breeding in northern and central Sweden and famous for dramatic spring passages. Large, tall bird with trumpeting calls and elaborate dancing displays.
White-tailed Eagle
Iconic large raptor found around coasts and big inland waters; recovered strongly in Sweden. Massive wingspan and white tail of adults make it unmistakable.
Osprey
Regular summer breeder across Sweden where fish are abundant. Specialist fish-eating raptor that plunges feet-first to catch prey and often nests on platforms or dead trees.
Common Buzzard
Widespread and common across Sweden, adaptable to many habitats. Medium-large raptor often seen soaring on thermals with variable plumage.
Eurasian Sparrowhawk
Common throughout Sweden, especially near gardens and woodlands. A swift, agile hunter of small birds often seen dashing through trees.
Peregrine Falcon
Breeds on cliffs and increasingly in city centres on tall buildings across Sweden. Fastest bird in a stoop; famed for hunting other birds on the wing.
Common Kingfisher
A jewel of small watercourses in Sweden, more common in the south. Vivid blue and orange plumage; dives to catch small fish from perch sites.
European Robin
Common garden bird throughout Sweden, often tame around people. Small with a red-orange breast and melodic song that is heard year-round.
Common Blackbird
Very common across Sweden, frequent in towns and countryside. Male is glossy black with a yellow bill; known for rich, fluted song.
Fieldfare
Common winter visitor in southern and central Sweden forming large flocks on farmland and berries in autumn; recognizable by grey back and chestnut flanks.
Brambling
Regular winter visitor in varying numbers; shows up in large flocks at feeders and beech mast. Males display a mottled orange breast and distinctive wing pattern.
Common Chaffinch
Widespread breeder and year-round resident in Sweden, common in gardens and woods. Male has colorful plumage with blue-grey cap and rufous underparts.
House Sparrow
Common in towns and villages across Sweden though local declines noted. Stocky, social bird often seen around buildings and feeders.
Tree Sparrow
Local but still present in rural Sweden, often at farms and hedgerows. Chestnut crown and black cheek spot differentiate it from the House Sparrow.
Great Tit
Common and familiar in Swedish gardens and parks; bold at feeders. Large tit with a black head and yellow underside and a strong, variable song.
Blue Tit
Very common at feeders and woodlands throughout Sweden; agile and acrobatic. Small with blue cap and yellow belly, often visiting nestboxes.
Eurasian Jay
Common in mixed woodlands across Sweden; notable for pinkish plumage and blue wing patches. Important acorn disperser and often vocal and bold.
Eurasian Magpie
Widespread and conspicuous across Sweden; bold black-and-white bird with long tail. Often found near human habitation and known for intelligence and adaptability.
Common Gull
Widespread coastal and inland gull in Sweden; smaller and more subtly patterned than herring gull. Frequent at landfills, harbours and lakeshores.
Great Black-backed Gull
Largest gull around Sweden’s coasts, present in southern and western seas. Powerful predator and scavenger with heavy bill and bold behaviour.
