Animals Of Latvia: The Complete List

Latvia’s mix of Baltic coastline, broadleaf forests and peat bogs supports a surprising variety of wildlife. Seasonal migrations and protected habitats make the country especially interesting for birdwatchers and naturalists exploring Northern Europe.

There are 64 Animals of Latvia, ranging from Aquatic warbler to Willow warbler. Each entry is listed with basic reference data — Scientific name,Status in Latvia,IUCN status — so you can quickly see conservation notes and taxonomy; examples span common residents to rare migrants, and you’ll find below the full organized list.

How current and reliable is this list?

The list compiles official records and recent surveys where available, and the Status in Latvia column reflects national monitoring while IUCN status shows global risk; check local updates for the latest changes, especially for migratory or recently rediscovered species.

Where in Latvia should I go to see species like the Aquatic warbler or Willow warbler?

Look for wetlands and reedbeds (for Aquatic warbler) and mixed woodlands or parkland (for Willow warbler); visit protected areas such as Kemeri or Gauja National Park during spring and early summer and use local birding guides or observation hides to increase chances of sightings.

Animals of Latvia

Images and Descriptions

European roe deer

Widespread across Latvian forests and agricultural edges, usually 40–60 cm at shoulder; commonly seen at dawn or dusk. Notable for their small size among deer and frequent presence near roadsides and woodlands throughout the country.

Red deer

Large deer found in Latvia’s mixed forests and lowland wetlands, males weighing up to 200 kg. Common in national parks and hunting reserves; males make impressive rutting calls in autumn and form visible herds in winter.

Moose (Eurasian elk)

Tall, solitary browser of swampy forests and river valleys, often over 1.5 m at the shoulder. Seen in eastern and central Latvia; notable for massive antlers on males and tendency to graze along quiet roadsides.

Wild boar

Adaptable and widespread in Latvian woodlands and farmland, often seen rooting for food; groups (sounders) common. Known for rapid population increases and occasional crop damage, boar are a familiar sight in rural areas.

European beaver

Reintroduced species found in rivers and wetlands across Latvia; large, up to 25–30 kg. Builds dams and lodges and plays a key role in creating wetland habitats that benefit many other species.

Eurasian lynx

Solitary forest predator present in Latvia’s large woodland areas; medium-large cat with tufted ears. Elusive but steadily present; notable for silent hunting and important role controlling ungulate populations.

Grey wolf

Widespread in forests and marshes, often in packs. Regularly recorded across Latvia, especially in less populated eastern regions. Important large carnivore with strong cultural significance and occasional livestock conflicts.

Brown bear

Occasional visitors from neighboring countries, most often in eastern and southeastern Latvia. Large and powerful omnivores; sightings are rare but increase during mast years and migration periods.

Red fox

Common across Latvia in rural, suburban and some urban areas; small to medium-sized predator about the size of a large cat. Notable for adaptability and being active both day and night in quieter locations.

European otter

Found along Latvia’s rivers, lakes and coastal bays; medium-sized aquatic carnivore. Populations have recovered in many areas; otters are indicators of healthy freshwater ecosystems and are secretive yet increasingly recorded.

Pine marten

Arboreal carnivore of mature Latvian forests, slender and agile. Often nocturnal or crepuscular; known for feeding on small mammals, birds and fruits and occasionally seen near rural buildings.

European polecat

Small predator found in forests, wetlands and farmland. Secretive but present across Latvia; notable for its dark mask and adaptable diet including rodents and amphibians.

European hedgehog

Common in gardens, meadows and edges of Latvian towns; small spiny mammal up to 1 kg. Often seen at night; notable for hibernating in winter and being familiar to urban residents.

Harbour porpoise

Small cetacean recorded in the Gulf of Riga and Baltic waters; usually shy and rarely seen from shore. Notable for being the only porpoise regularly encountered in Latvian seas and sensitive to bycatch and noise.

Grey seal

Occasional along Latvia’s coast and islands, especially in autumn–winter. Large pinniped that hauls out on rocky shores and ice; notable for breeding colonies further north but regular sightings in Latvian waters.

White-tailed eagle

Spectacular large raptor nesting near lakes, rivers and coastlines across Latvia. With a wingspan up to 2.5 m, these eagles are regularly seen soaring and are a conservation success story after past declines.

Osprey

Fish-eating raptor that nests on posts and trees near lakes and rivers; migratory but regular breeder. Notable for dramatic dives to catch fish and reliably seen at key wetlands like Lake Engure.

Common crane

Large, long-legged bird found in marshes and meadows, especially in eastern and central Latvia; breeds and migrates through large flocks. Famous for loud trumpeting calls and conspicuous courtship dances in spring.

Whooper swan

Large migratory swan seen on lakes, wetlands and coastal areas during migration and winter; striking yellow and black bill. Notable for long migratory flights and communal roosting on shallow waters.

Mute swan

Common on lakes, rivers and park ponds across Latvia; large and easily noticed. Often resident year-round in milder areas; notable for graceful appearance and territorial pairs.

White stork

Familiar in rural Latvia, often nesting on chimneys or poles in villages and farmland. Storks feed on meadows and wetland edges; culturally significant and eagerly watched during spring return.

Black stork

Shy woodland stork that breeds in larger forested wetlands and river valleys; less common than the white stork. Notable for secretive nesting and preference for undisturbed wetland forests.

Aquatic warbler

Globally threatened passerine that nests in reedbeds and wet meadows in western Latvia; small and cryptic. Notable as Europe’s rarest migratory songbird, with Latvia an important stronghold for breeding populations.

Corncrake

Secretive grassland bird that breeds in hay meadows and tall grasslands; heard more than seen by its rasping call. Populations have declined historically but Latvia remains an important breeding area.

Capercaillie

Large forest grouse of mature pine and mixed woods, mostly in eastern Latvia; notable for dramatic lekking displays in spring. Populations are patchy and sensitive to forestry practices.

Black grouse

Found in open woodland and moorland edges; males have striking black plumage and perform display flights. Notable for lekking behavior and sensitivity to habitat fragmentation.

Eurasian curlew

Large, long-billed wader breeding in coastal and inland wetlands; declining but still recorded in Latvia’s marshes and coastal meadows. Notable for its melodic, bubbling call and iconic curved bill.

Black-tailed godwit

Wader of marshes and wet meadows; breeds in parts of Latvia and stops during migration. Long-legged and conspicuous; notable for striking breeding plumage and declines from drainage of wetlands.

Common tern

Elegant seaside and lakeshore nesting bird seen at coastal colonies and lakes. Notable for plunge-diving to catch small fish and forming dense breeding colonies on islands and gravel shores.

Great crested grebe

Widespread on lakes and larger rivers, noted for ornate breeding plumage and dramatic courtship displays. Relatively common and a favorite species for lakewatchers in Latvia.

Common buzzard

Widespread raptor soaring over fields and woods; medium-large with variable plumage. Common in Latvian countryside; often perched on posts hunting small mammals and frequently seen gliding overhead.

Eurasian hobby

Slim, fast falcon that migrates through Latvia and breeds in wooded areas near open hunting grounds. Notable for agile aerial hunting of swifts and dragonflies during summer evenings.

Barn swallow

Common summer visitor that nests on buildings and barns across Latvia; slender with long forked tail. Notable for long migrations and close association with human settlements where it feeds on flying insects.

Sand martin

Small migratory swallow that nests in riverbanks and sand cliffs; abundant in summer near rivers and lakes. Notable for colonial nesting in burrows and catching insects over water.

Willow warbler

Tiny migratory songbird that breeds in woodlands and scrub across Latvia; known for sweet descending song. Common in spring and summer, often seen flitting in shrubs and birch woods.

Eurasian skylark

Ground-nesting songbird of open fields and meadows, famous for its ascending song-flight. Once very common; local declines noted but still widespread in rural Latvia’s agricultural landscapes.

Great spotted woodpecker

Woodland woodpecker found across Latvian forests and parks; medium-sized with striking black-and-white plumage. Drummers on tree trunks year-round; nests in tree cavities and feeds on insects and seeds.

European robin

Small, friendly bird frequenting gardens and woodlands; orange-red breast and bold behavior. Common and year-round resident in Latvia; often one of the first birds people learn to recognize.

Common frog

Widespread in ponds, ditches and wetlands across Latvia; medium-sized frog active in spring breeding congregations. Notable for early-season appearance and variety of colors from green to brown.

Moor frog

Found in bogs and wet meadows, especially in eastern Latvia; small frog that sometimes changes color during breeding. Notable for explosive spring breeding events in temporary pools.

Common toad

Robust amphibian common in gardens, woodlands and wetlands; migrates to ponds to breed in spring. Notable for toxic skin secretions deterring predators and long-distance migration to breeding sites.

Smooth newt

Small, slender newt widely distributed in Latvian ponds and garden pools; males show ornate crests during breeding. Notable for adaptability to small waterbodies and frequent presence in suburban ponds.

Great crested newt

Larger, conspicuous newt of permanent ponds and wetlands; males have dramatic crests in breeding season. Protected species in many countries and an indicator of healthy pond ecosystems.

Natterjack toad

Specialist of sandy coastal dunes and dry heath with ephemeral pools in western Latvia; distinctive yellow stripe and loud, far-carrying call. Locally uncommon and a conservation interest in coastal habitats.

Viviparous lizard

Small lizard common in Latvia’s meadows, heath and forest edges; gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Notable for wide tolerance of cool climates and early spring activity.

Sand lizard

Colorful lizard of sunny sandy and heath habitats, mainly in coastal dunes and dry inland sites. Males show bright green flanks in spring; local and habitat-dependent but regularly recorded.

Grass snake

Non-venomous water-loving snake frequently found near lakes, rivers and marshes; can grow over a meter. Notable for feigning death or releasing foul-smelling secretions when threatened.

European adder

Latvia’s only venomous snake, found in heath, marsh and forest edges; generally shy and rarely encountered. Recognizable zigzag pattern and important in folklore, but bites are uncommon with medical attention available.

Northern pike

Top freshwater predator in Latvian lakes and rivers; can reach over a meter and is popular with anglers. Notable for ambush hunting behavior among reeds and fallen trees.

European perch

Common, colorful perch abundant in lakes and rivers; medium-sized schooling fish popular for fishing. Notable for vertical dark bars and spiny dorsal fin and frequent presence near shorelines.

Roach

Abundant small-to-medium cyprinid in lakes, rivers and slow-flowing waters across Latvia. Often forms large shoals; a common fish used in local angling and food catches.

Common bream

Flat-bodied carp-like fish of Latvian rivers and lakes, often forming large shoals. Can grow fairly large and is a familiar sight on muddy-bottomed waterbodies favored by anglers.

European eel

Once-common migratory fish moving between Latvian freshwaters and the Sargasso Sea; populations have crashed and it is now Critically Endangered. Notable for its complex life cycle and long-distance migrations.

Atlantic salmon

Anadromous fish that migrates into Latvia’s rivers to spawn; prized by anglers. Populations vary regionally; notable for strong upstream migrations and conservation programs to restore runs.

Brown trout

Native stream and lake trout occurring in clear, oxygen-rich waters; prized by anglers. Notable for variable life histories including resident and migratory forms.

Vendace

Small, schooling cold-water whitefish of deep Latvian lakes; important for local fisheries and winter catches. Notable for delicate flesh and importance in traditional lake fishing.

Baltic herring

Small schooling marine fish abundant in the Gulf of Riga and Latvian coastal waters; important commercially and as seabird food. Notable for forming dense shoals and long history in Baltic fisheries.

Common carp

Introduced to Latvian waters and now present in many lakes and lowland rivers; large and bottom-feeding. Notable for robust size and popularity in aquaculture and angling, though sometimes impacts native habitats.

European peacock

Common butterfly in gardens, meadows and forest edges; medium-sized with eye-spotted wings. Notable for dramatic eye-markings that deter predators and frequent visits to nettle host plants for caterpillars.

Small tortoiseshell

Familiar, brightly colored butterfly of hedgerows and gardens throughout Latvia; caterpillars feed on nettles. Notable for migratory movements and forming hibernating adults in sheltered spots.

Red admiral

Strong-flying butterfly that breeds in Latvia and also migrates; bold dark wings with red bands. Notable for high mobility and frequent visitation of gardens and flowers throughout summer and autumn.

Old World swallowtail

Impressive large butterfly found locally in meadows and coastal areas; striking yellow and black pattern. Notable for its spectacular flight and occasional local abundance in favourable habitats.

Emperor dragonfly

Large, colorful dragonfly common at lakes and slow rivers in summer; notable for powerful flight and territorial males often seen patrolling open water. Frequently observed by pondwatchers and anglers.

Buff-tailed bumblebee

Common bumblebee visiting gardens, farmland and meadows across Latvia; large and conspicuous. Notable as an important pollinator with robust colonies and visible workers throughout the growing season.

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