List of Ireland's Birds

Search the A-Z of Ireland's Birds

Although a comparatively high number of bird species have been recorded in Ireland, with over 450 species currently on the Irish list, our island biogeography means we have considerably fewer breeding birds than our nearest neighbours. Many birds are migratory and many are rare or unusual in Ireland, despite the fact that they are common residents across the Irish Sea in Britain.

The fact that Ireland has been an isolated Island for over 8,000 years means that several species, widespread in Britain and elsewhere in Europe, that do not move great distances are absent. Examples include: Tawny Owl, Willow Tit, Marsh Tit, Nuthatch and most woodpecker species. In addition, Ireland’s mild weather means resident birds have an advantage over visitors in terms of early breeding and choice of best habitats. Ireland has fewer habitat types than Britain and continental Europe, with fewer deciduous woodlands, Scots pine forests, heaths and high mountain ranges.

Black Redstart

Irish Name

Earrdheargán dubh

Scientific name

Phoenicurus ochruros

Bird Family

Chats

Black-headed Gull

Irish Name

Sléibhín

Scientific name

Larus ridibundus

Bird Family

Gulls

Blackbird

Irish Name

Lon dubh

Scientific name

Turdus merula

Bird Family

Thrushes

Blackcap

Irish Name

Caipín dubh

Scientific name

Sylvia atricapilla

Bird Family

Warblers

Blue Tit

Irish Name

Meantán gorm

Scientific name

Cyanistes caeruleus

Bird Family

Tits

Brambling

Irish Name

Breacán

Scientific name

Fringilla montifringilla

Bird Family

Finches

Brent Goose (Light-bellied)

Irish Name

Cadhan

Scientific name

Branta bernicla hrota

Bird Family

Geese

Bullfinch

Irish Name

Corcrán coille

Scientific name

Pyrrhula pyrrhula

Bird Family

Finches

Chaffinch

Irish Name

Rí Rua

Scientific name

Fringilla coelebs

Bird Family

Finches

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