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.

Great Tit

Irish Name

Meantán mór

Scientific name

Parus major

Bird Family

Tits

Greenfinch

Irish Name

Glasán darach

Scientific name

Chloris chloris

Bird Family

Finches

Grey Wagtail

Irish Name

Glasóg liath

Scientific name

Motacilla cinerea

Bird Family

Wagtails

Herring Gull

Irish Name

Faoileán scadán

Scientific name

Larus argentatus

Bird Family

Gulls

Hooded Crow

Irish Name

Caróg liath

Scientific name

Corvus cornix

Bird Family

Crows

House Martin

Irish Name

Gabhlán Binne

Scientific name

Delichon urbicum

Bird Family

Swallows & Martins

House Sparrow

Irish Name

Gealbhan binne

Scientific name

Passer domesticus

Bird Family

Sparrows

Jackdaw

Irish Name

Cág

Scientific name

Coloeus monedula

Bird Family

Crows

Kestrel

Irish Name

Pocaire gaoithe

Scientific name

Falco tinnunculus

Bird Family

Raptors

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