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.

Scaup

Irish Name

Lacha iascán

Scientific name

Anas marila

Bird Family

Ducks

Sedge Warbler

Irish Name

Ceolaire cíbe

Scientific name

Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

Bird Family

Warblers

Shag

Irish Name

Seaga

Scientific name

Phalacrocorax aristotelis

Bird Family

Cormorants

Shelduck

Irish Name

Seil-lacha

Scientific name

Tadorna tadorna

Bird Family

Ducks

Short-eared Owl

Irish Name

Ulchabhán réisc

Scientific name

Asio flammeus

Bird Family

Owls

Shoveler

Irish Name

Spadalach

Scientific name

Anas clypeata

Bird Family

Ducks

Siskin

Irish Name

Siscín

Scientific name

Spinus spinus

Bird Family

Finches

Skylark

Irish Name

Fuiseog

Scientific name

Alauda arvensis

Bird Family

Skylarks

Slavonian Grebe

Irish Name

Foitheach cluasach

Scientific name

Podiceps auritus

Bird Family

Grebes

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