Forest Birds of Bohemia - Woodland Species Guide

Updated for 2026 season

The forests of Bohemia and Moravia cover approximately one-third of the Czech Republic and harbour some of the country's most fascinating bird species. From the ancient beech stands of Sumava National Park to the spruce-dominated ridges of Krkonose, each forest type supports a distinct community of specialist birds adapted to life among the trees.

Czech forests range in character from lowland riparian woodlands along the Elbe and Morava rivers to montane and subalpine forests above 1,000 metres. This gradient of habitats creates an unusually rich assemblage of woodland species for a country of modest size. According to data from BirdLife International, over 80 regularly breeding bird species are primarily associated with Czech forest habitats.

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Dendrocopos major

The Great Spotted Woodpecker is the most common and widespread woodpecker in the Czech Republic. Its bold black-and-white plumage with bright red under-tail coverts and (in males) a small red nape patch makes it relatively easy to identify. You will often hear them before you see them, their rapid drumming on dead wood echoing through the forest.

These woodpeckers excavate new nest holes in dead or dying trees each year, creating vital housing for other cavity-nesting species. They feed on insects extracted from bark, along with seeds and nuts wedged into bark crevices, a behaviour known as "anvil" feeding.

22-23 cm Year-round All forest types

Eurasian Jay

Garrulus glandarius

The Eurasian Jay is a strikingly handsome member of the crow family, with pinkish-brown plumage, a black moustache stripe, a streaked crown that can be raised into a crest, and a brilliant patch of blue-and-black barred feathers on the wing. Despite its colourful appearance, the Jay is often heard before it is seen, thanks to its loud, harsh screaming call that serves as an alarm signal throughout the forest.

Jays are vital for forest ecology in the Czech Republic. Each autumn, a single Jay may cache several thousand acorns, burying them across a wide area. The acorns that go unrecovered germinate into new oak trees, making Jays one of the most important agents of natural oak regeneration in Central European forests.

32-35 cm Year-round Deciduous & mixed forest

Eurasian Nuthatch

The Eurasian Nuthatch is one of the most entertaining birds to watch in Czech forests. Unlike woodpeckers and treecreepers, nuthatches move both up and down tree trunks headfirst, a skill made possible by their strong legs and claws. They are compact, blue-grey above with warm orange-buff underparts and a bold black eye stripe.

Nuthatches are cavity nesters that often take over old woodpecker holes, plastering the entrance with mud to reduce its diameter and deter larger species from evicting them. Their loud, ringing "twit-twit-twit" calls are a characteristic sound of mature Czech deciduous woodland, and they readily visit garden feeders adjacent to forests during winter.

Identifying nuthatches in the field

Compact body shape with short tail and large head
Blue-grey upperparts and warm buff-orange underside
Bold black eyestripe from bill through eye to nape
Moves headfirst down trunks, a unique behaviour among Czech birds
Loud, repetitive calling, especially in late winter and early spring

European Starling

Sturnus vulgaris

While not exclusively a forest bird, the European Starling frequently nests in tree holes at woodland edges and in parkland with mature trees. In breeding plumage, starlings are remarkably beautiful, with iridescent green and purple feathers and a bright yellow bill. In winter, they become speckled with white spots.

Starlings are masterful mimics, incorporating sounds from other bird species and even mechanical noises into their rambling, whistling song. In autumn and winter, Czech starlings form spectacular murmurations, with thousands of birds wheeling through the sky before settling into communal roosts.

21 cm Year-round Woodland edges

Best Forest Birding Locations in Czechia

The Czech Republic offers numerous outstanding forest birding destinations. Here are our top recommendations for experiencing the full range of Bohemian and Moravian woodland birdlife:

Sumava National Park - The largest national park in the Czech Republic protects ancient beech and spruce forests along the Bavarian border. Home to Black Woodpecker, Three-toed Woodpecker, Hazel Grouse, and Tengmalm's Owl. The remote virgin forests of Boubinsky Prales are particularly valuable for old-growth specialists.
Krkonose (Giant Mountains) National Park - Montane and subalpine forests support Ring Ouzel, Crossbill, and Alpine Accentor above the tree line. The transition from beech to spruce forest along the altitudinal gradient provides diverse habitat layers.
Moravsky Kras (Moravian Karst) - Limestone gorges and deciduous forests north of Brno. Excellent for Rock Bunting, Peregrine Falcon, and Black Stork in the forested valleys.
Podyji National Park - Mixed forests along the Dyje River valley on the Austrian border. Rich in raptors including Short-toed Snake Eagle, and supports strong populations of Middle Spotted Woodpecker and Collared Flycatcher.

Forest Birding Tips

Woodland birding requires different skills than open-habitat observation. These practical tips will help you get the most from your visits to Czech forests:

Learn to identify birds by sound first. In dense forest, you will hear far more species than you see. Free apps and recordings from the Xeno-Canto database are invaluable resources.
Early morning (first two hours after dawn) is the most productive time, when birds are most vocal and active.
Move slowly and pause frequently. Many forest birds are curious and will approach a quiet, stationary observer.
Check deadwood and standing snags carefully. Woodpeckers, nuthatches, and treecreepers concentrate where insect prey is abundant in decaying timber.
In spring, watch for recently returned migrants at forest edges and clearings where insects warm up fastest.
Carry compact binoculars (8x32 or 8x42) that focus closely, as many forest encounters happen at short range.

Czech forests are among the most well-preserved in Central Europe. The tradition of sustainable forestry management, dating back centuries, has maintained structural diversity that benefits woodland bird communities far more than intensively managed monoculture plantations.

For comprehensive breeding bird data and distribution maps, consult the eBird Czech Republic platform, which aggregates observations from thousands of contributors across the country.