List of birds of Ireland

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Atlantic puffins nest in colonies around the coast.
The northern lapwing

This is a list of the bird species recorded in Ireland. The avifauna of Ireland included a total of 478 species as of late 2015 according to the Irish Rare Birds Committee (IRBC).[1] An additional 21 species have been added and three replaced from Bird Checklists of the World.[2]

Of these 499 species, 285 are rare or accidental and three have been introduced by humans. One has apparently been extirpated, one is extinct, and one is probably extinct. The list also includes four entries of birds that have been accepted without being identified to species. The list does not include species placed in "Category D" by the IBRC. These are species where there is doubt as to whether they have occurred in a wild state (Category D1), they have arrived by human assistance such as on board a ship (D2), they have only been recorded dead on the tideline (D3), or they are feral species whose populations may not be self-sustaining (D4).

Ireland has a relatively low diversity of breeding birds due to its isolation. Several species such as the tawny owl, Eurasian nuthatch and willow tit which breed in Great Britain have not been recorded. However, there are large colonies of seabirds including important populations of European storm-petrels, northern gannets, and roseate terns. Other notable breeding birds include corn crakes and red-billed choughs. There are no endemic species but there are endemic subspecies of white-throated dipper, coal tit, and Eurasian jay.

Large numbers of wildfowl and waders winter in Ireland, attracted by its mild climate. About half the world population of the Greenland race of greater white-fronted geese spend the winter there. During autumn, many migrating seabirds can be seen off the coasts including several species of skuas, shearwaters, and petrels. Ireland's westerly position means that North American birds are regularly recorded in autumn.

This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families and species) and nomenclature (English and scientific names) are those of The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World, 2019 edition.[3]

The following tags have been used to highlight several categories of occurrence; the tags are from Bird Checklists of the World.[2]

  • (A) Accidental - a species that rarely or accidentally occurs in Ireland
  • (I) Introduced - a species introduced to Ireland as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions


Ducks, geese, and waterfowl

Mute swans on Lough Leane.
Barnacle goose, a winter visitor from Greenland.
Mallard, a very common resident.
Eiders, common on northern coasts.

Order: Anseriformes   Family: Anatidae

Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Snow goose Anser caerulescens Gé shneachta (A)
Graylag goose Anser anser Crann-ghé / gé mhór fhionn / gé ghlas
Greater white-fronted goose Anser albifrons Gé bhánéadanach mhór
Lesser white-fronted goose Anser erythropus Mionghé bhánéadanach / gé bheag fhionn (A)
Taiga bean-goose Anser fabalis Síolghé taigaí (A)
Tundra bean-goose Anser serrirostris Síolghé tundraí (A)
Pink-footed goose Anser brachyrhynchus Gé ghobghearr
Brant Branta bernicla Cadhan
Barnacle goose Branta leucopsis Gé ghiúrainn / cadhan
Cackling goose Branta hutchinsii Brioscarnach-ghé (A)
Canada goose Branta canadensis Gé cheanadach (A)
Red-breasted goose Branta ruficollis Gé broinnrua (A)
Mute swan Cygnus olor Eala bhalbh
Tundra swan Cygnus columbianus Eala thundra
Whooper swan Cygnus cygnus Eala ghlórach
Ruddy shelduck Tadorna ferruginea Seil-lacha rua / garg ruadh (A)
Common shelduck Tadorna tadorna Seil-lacha
Mandarin duck Aix galericulata Lacha mhandarin (I)
Baikal teal Sibirionetta formosa Praslacha bhaicalach (A)
Garganey Spatula querquedula Praslacha shamraidh
Blue-winged teal Spatula discors Praslacha ghormeiteach (A)
Northern shoveler Spatula clypeata Slapaire tuaisceartach
Gadwall Mareca strepera Gadual
Eurasian wigeon Mareca penelope Rualacha
American wigeon Mareca americana Rualacha mhericeánach (A)
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Mallard[4]
American black duck Anas rubripes Lacha chosrua (A)
Northern pintail Anas acuta Biorearrach tuaisceartach
Green-winged teal Anas crecca Praslacha ghlaseiteach
Red-crested pochard Netta rufina Póiseard cíordhearg (A)
Redhead Aythya americana Ceanndearg (A)
Common pochard Aythya ferina Póiseard cíordhearg / lacha mhásach
Ring-necked duck Aythya collaris Lacha mhuinceach (A)
Ferruginous duck Aythya nyroca Póiseard ferruginous (A)
Tufted duck Aythya fuligula Lacha bhadánach
Greater scaup Aythya marila Lacha iascán mór
Lesser scaup Aythya affinis Mionlacha iascán (A)
King eider Somateria spectabilis Éadar taibhseach / rígh éadar (A)
Common eider Somateria mollissima Éadar
Harlequin duck[2] Histrionicus histrionicus Lacha airleacán (A)
Surf scoter Melanitta perspicillata Scótar toinne (A)
Velvet scoter Melanitta fusca Sceadach
White-winged scoter Melanitta deglandi Scótarach bháneiteach
Common scoter Melanitta nigra Scótar / lacha scótarach
Black scoter Melanitta americana Scótar dubh (A)
Long-tailed duck Clangula hyemalis Lacha earrfhada
Bufflehead Bucephala albeola Órshúileach ceannsceadach (A)
Common goldeneye Bucephala clangula Órshúileach
Barrow's goldeneye Bucephala islandica Órshúileach bhearú (A)
Smew Mergellus albellus Síolta gheal
Hooded merganser Lophodytes cucullatus Síolta chochaill (A)
Common merganser Mergus merganser Síolta / tumaire
Red-breasted merganser Mergus serrator Síolta rua
Ruddy duck Oxyura jamaicensis Lachra rua (I)

Pheasants, grouse, and allies

The gray partridge has seriously declined and is now very rare.

Order: Galliformes   Family: Phasianidae

The Phasianidae are a family of terrestrial birds which consists of quails, partridges, snowcocks, francolins, spurfowls, tragopans, monals, pheasants, peafowls, and jungle fowls. In general, they are plump (although they vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Common quail Coturnix coturnix Gearg / gearraghuirt
Ring-necked pheasant Phasianus colchicus Feasán mhuinceach (I)
Gray partridge Perdix perdix Cearc coille
Western capercaillie Tetrao urogallus Capall coille (Extirpated; not seen since before 1950)
Willow ptarmigan Lagopus lagopus Tarmachan

Grebes

Great crested grebes breed on inland lakes.

Order: Podicipediformes   Family: Podicipedidae

Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Spágaire tonn / tomaire beag
Pied-billed grebe Podilymbus podiceps Foithíoch gob-alabhreac (A)
Horned grebe Podiceps auritus Beann-foitheach
Red-necked grebe Podiceps grisegena Foitheach píbrua
Great crested grebe Podiceps cristatus Foitheach mór / Lúnadán mór an chorraicín
Eared grebe Podiceps nigricollis Foithíoch cluasach (A)

Pigeons and doves

Eurasian collared-dove, first recorded in 1959 and now common.
Rock pigeon, usually lives on cliffs near the Atlantic Ocean.

Order: Columbiformes   Family: Columbidae

Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Rock pigeon Columba livia Colm aille
Stock dove Columba oenas Colm gorm
Common wood-pigeon Columba palumbus Colm coille
European turtle-dove Streptopelia turtur Fearán
Eurasian collared-dove Streptopelia decaocto Fearán baicdhubh
Mourning dove Zenaida macroura Fearán gubhach (A)

Sandgrouse

Order: Pterocliformes   Family: Pteroclidae

Sandgrouse have small, pigeon-like heads and necks, but sturdy compact bodies. They have long pointed wings and sometimes tails and a fast direct flight. Flocks fly to watering holes at dawn and dusk. Their legs are feathered down to the toes.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Pallas's sandgrouse Syrrhaptes paradoxus Gaineamhchearc (A)

Bustards

Order: Otidiformes   Family: Otididae

Bustards are large terrestrial birds mainly associated with dry open country and steppes in the Old World. They are omnivorous and nest on the ground. They walk steadily on strong legs and big toes, pecking for food as they go. They have long broad wings with "fingered" wingtips and striking patterns in flight. Many have interesting mating displays.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Great bustard Otis tarda Fadálach éan-mhór (A)
Little bustard Tetrax tetrax Fadálach mion-éan (A)

Cuckoos

Common cuckoo, a declining summer visitor.

Order: Cuculiformes   Family: Cuculidae

The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners, and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails, and strong legs. The Old World cuckoos are brood parasites.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Great spotted cuckoo Clamator glandarius Mórchuach bhreac (A)
Yellow-billed cuckoo Coccyzus americanus Cuach ghob-bhuí (A)
Black-billed cuckoo Coccyzus erythropthalmus Cuach bhobdhubh (A)
Common cuckoo Cuculus canorus Cuach

Nightjars and allies

Order: Caprimulgiformes   Family: Caprimulgidae

Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs, and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Common nighthawk Chordeiles minor Seabhac oidhche (A)
Eurasian nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus Tuirne lín

Swifts

Common swift, a summer visitor.

Order: Caprimulgiformes   Family: Apodidae

Swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings which resemble a crescent or boomerang.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Chimney swift Chaetura pelagica Gabhlán simléir (A)
White-throated needletail Hirundapus caudacutus Gabhlán earrspíonach (A)
Alpine swift Tachymarptis melba Gabhlán alpach (A)
Common swift Apus apus Gabhlán gaoithe
Pallid swift Apus pallidus Gabhlán bánlíoch (A)
Little swift Apus affinis Gabhlán beag (A)

Rails, gallinules, and coots

Corn crake, now a rare summer visitor but formerly very common.

Order: Gruiformes   Family: Rallidae

Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots, and gallinules. Typically they inhabit dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps, or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and to be weak fliers.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Water rail Rallus aquaticus Rálóg uisce / tradhna uisce
Corn crake Crex crex Traonach
Sora Porzana carolina Gearr sora (A)
Spotted crake Porzana porzana Gearr breac (A)
Eurasian moorhen Gallinula chloropus Cearc uisce / truisc / coileach fraoich
Eurasian coot Fulica atra Cearc cheannann
American coot Fulica americana Cearc mheiriceánach (A)
Purple gallinule Porphyrio martinicus Cearcóg (A)
Little crake Zapornia parva Gearr beag (A)
Baillon's crake Zapornia pusilla Gearr biorra (A)

Cranes

Order: Gruiformes   Family: Gruidae

Cranes are large, long-legged, and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances".

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Sandhill crane Antiogne canadensis Corr ceanadach (A)
Common crane Grus grus Corr / grús (A)

Thick-knees

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Burhinidae

The thick-knees are a group of waders found worldwide within the tropical zone, with some species also breeding in temperate Europe and Australia. They are medium to large waders with strong black or yellow-black bills, large yellow eyes, and cryptic plumage. Despite being classed as waders, most species have a preference for arid or semi-arid habitats.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Eurasian thick-knee Burhinus oedicnemus Glúinramhrach caoirliun (A)

Stilts and avocets

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Recurvirostridae

Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Black-winged stilt Himantopus himantopus Scodlach dubheiteach
Pied avocet Recurvirostra avosetta Abhóiséad breac (A)

Oystercatchers

Eurasian oystercatcher, common around the coast.

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Haematopodidae

The oystercatchers are large and noisy plover-like birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prising open molluscs.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Eurasian oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus Roilleach / riabhán / scaladóir

Plovers and lapwings

Northern lapwing, common in winter but less so in summer.
Black-bellied plovers breed in Arctic regions.
Common ringed plover, winters in coastal areas south to Africa.

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Charadriidae

The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels, and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short thick necks, and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Black-bellied plover Pluvialis squatarola Feadóg bolgdubh
European golden-plover Pluvialis apricaria Feadóg bhuí / fideog
American golden-plover Pluvialis dominica Feadó bhuí mhericeánach (A)
Pacific golden-plover Pluvialis fulva Feadóg bhuí Áiseach (A)
Northern lapwing Vanellus vanellus Saotharcán Tuaisceartach
Sociable lapwing Vanellus gregarius Saotharcóg / pilibín (A)
Lesser sand-plover Charadrius mongolus Feadóg mhara beag (A)
Greater sand-plover[2] Charadrius leschenaultii Feadóg mhara mhór (A)
Kentish plover Charadrius alexandrinus Feadóigín chosdubh (A)
Common ringed plover Charadrius hiaticula Feadóg chladaigh / feadóg an fháinne / ladhrán
Semipalmated plover Charadrius semipalmatus Gobadáinín mionbhosach (A)
Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius Feadóg an fháinne beag (A)
Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Feadóg ghlórach (A)
Eurasian dotterel Charadrius morinellus Amadán móinteach (A)

Sandpipers and allies

Eurasian curlew, widespread breeder with larger numbers in winter.
Ruddy turnstone, common on rocky coasts.
Pectoral sandpiper, a frequent vagrant from North America.
Red-necked phalarope, a former breeding species.

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Scolopacidae

Scolopacidae is a large diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers, and phalaropes. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enables multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Upland sandpiper Bartramia longicauda Gobadán sléibhe (A)
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Crotach eanaigh
Eskimo curlew Numenius borealis Crotach Artach (A) (probably extinct)
Eurasian curlew Numenius arquata Crotach / cruiteach
Bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica Guibneach stríocearrach
Black-tailed godwit Limosa limosa Guilbneach earrdubh
Hudsonian godwit Limosa haemastica Guilbneach brionn dearg (A)
Ruddy turnstone Arenaria interpres Piadálai trá ruadh
Great knot Calidris tenuirostris Cnota mór (A)
Red knot Calidris canutus Cnota rua
Ruff Calidris pugnax Rufachán
Broad-billed sandpiper Calidris falcinellus Gobadán gobleathan (A)
Sharp-tailed sandpiper Calidris acuminata Gobadán earr-rinneach (A)
Stilt sandpiper Calidris himantopus Gobadán scodlach (A)
Curlew sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Gobadán crotaigh
Temminck's stint Calidris temminckii Gobadáinín tomaltaig (A)
Long-toed stint Calidris subminuta Gobadáinín ladharfhada (A)
Red-necked stint Calidris ruficollis Gobadán droimrua (A)
Sanderling Calidris alba Luathrán
Dunlin Calidris alpina Breacó
Purple sandpiper Calidris maritima Gobadan cosbhuí
Baird's sandpiper Calidris bairdii Gobadán bárd (A)
Little stint Calidris minuta Gobadáinín beag
Least sandpiper Calidris minutilla Gobadáinín bídeach (A)
White-rumped sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis Gobadán bánphrompach / gobadán tónbháin (A)
Buff-breasted sandpiper Calidris subruficollis Gobadán broinn-donnbhuí (A)
Pectoral sandpiper Calidris melanotos Gobadán uchtach
Semipalmated sandpiper Calidris pusilla Gobadán mionbhosach (A)
Western sandpiper Calidris mauri Gobadán iartharach (A)
Short-billed dowitcher Limnodromus griseus Guilbnín gobghearr (A)
Long-billed dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus Guilbnín gobfhada (A)
Jack snipe Lymnocryptes minimus Naoscach bhídeach
Eurasian woodcock Scolopax rusticola Creabhar
Great snipe Gallinago media Naoscach mór (A)
Common snipe Gallinago gallinago Naoscach
Wilson's snipe Gallinago delicata Naoscach macliam (A)
Terek sandpiper Xenus cinereus Bodairlín lusrachán (A)
Wilson's phalarope Phalaropus tricolor Falaróp macliam (A)
Red-necked phalarope Phalaropus lobatus Falaróp gobchaol (A, formerly bred)
Red phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius Falaróp rua
Common sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Gobadán coiteann
Spotted sandpiper Actitis macularia Gobadán breac (A)
Green sandpiper Tringa ochropus Gobadán glas
Solitary sandpiper Tringa solitaria Gobadán aonarach (A)
Spotted redshank Tringa erythropus Cosdeargán breac
Greater yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca Ladhrán buí (A)
Common greenshank Tringa nebularia Ladhrán glas
Lesser yellowlegs Tringa flavipes Mionladhrán buí (A)
Marsh sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis Gobadán corraigh (A)
Wood sandpiper Tringa glareola Gobadán coille
Common redshank Tringa totanus Cosdeargán

Pratincoles and coursers

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Glareolidae

Glareolidae is a family of wading birds comprising the pratincoles, which have short legs, long pointed wings, and long forked tails, and the coursers, which have long legs, short wings, and long, pointed bills which curve downwards.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Cream-colored courser Cursorius cursor Rásaí bánbhuí (A)
Collared pratincole Glareola pratincola Pratancól muinceach (A)
Black-winged pratincole Glareola nordmanni Pratancól dubheiteach (A)

Skuas and jaegers

Great skua, a passage migrant around the coast.

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Stercorariidae

The family Stercorariidae are, in general, medium to large birds, typically with grey or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They nest on the ground in temperate and arctic regions and are long-distance migrants.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Great skua Stercorarius skua Meirleach mór
South polar skua[2] Stercorarius maccormicki (A)
Pomarine jaeger Stercorarius pomarinus Meirleach pomairíneach
Parasitic jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus Meirleach Artach
Long-tailed jaeger Stercorarius longicaudus Meirleach earrfhada (A)

Auks, murres, and puffins

Black guillemot, found along rocky coasts and around harbours and piers.

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Alcidae

Alcids are superficially similar to penguins due to their black-and-white colours, their upright posture, and some of their habits. However, they are not related to the penguins and differ in being able to fly. Auks live on the open sea, only deliberately coming ashore to nest.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Dovekie Alle alle Foracha bheag (A)
Common murre Uria aalge Foracha
Thick-billed murre Uria lomvia Foracha brünnich (A)
Razorbill Alca torda Crosán
Great auk Pinguinus impennis Foracha mhór (extinct)
Black guillemot Cepphus grylle Foracha dhubh
Atlantic puffin Fratercula arctica Puifín

Gulls, terns, and skimmers

Herring gull, very common resident.
Roseate tern, a scarce summer visitor.

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Laridae

Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds, the gulls, terns, and skimmers. Gulls are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. Terns are a group of generally medium to large seabirds typically with grey or white plumage, often with black markings on the head. Most terns hunt fish by diving but some pick insects off the surface of fresh water. Terns are generally long-lived birds, with several species known to live in excess of 30 years.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Black-legged kittiwake Rissa tridactyla Saidhbhéar
Ivory gull Pagophila eburnea Faoileán eabhartha (A)
Sabine's gull Xema sabini Sléibhín Sabine
Bonaparte's gull Chroicocephalus philadelphia Sléibhín Bonaparte (A)
Black-headed gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus Sléibhín
Little gull Hydrocoloeus minutus Sléibhín beag
Ross's gull Rhodostethia rosea Faoileán Ross (A)
Laughing gull Leucophaeus atricilla Sléibhín an gháire (A)
Franklin's gull Leucophaeus pipixcan Sléibhín Franklin (A)
Mediterranean gull Ichthyaetus melanocephalus Sléibhín meánmhuirí
Mew gull Larus canus Faoileán bán
Ring-billed gull Larus delawarensis Faoileán bandghobach
European herring gull Larus argentatus Faoileán scadán
American herring gull Larus smithsonianus Faoileán
Vega gull Larus vegae Faoileán
Yellow-legged gull Larus michahellis (A)
Caspian gull Larus cachinnans (A)
Iceland gull Larus glaucoides Faoileán Íoslannach
Lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus Droimneach beag
Slaty-backed gull Larus schistisagus (A)
Glaucous-winged gull[2] Larus glaucescens Faoileán glas (A)
Glaucous gull Larus hyperboreus Faoileán glas
Great black-backed gull Larus marinus Droimneach mór
Sooty tern Onychoprion fuscatus (A)
Little tern Sternula albifrons Geabhróg bheag
Gull-billed tern Gelochelidon nilotica Geabhróg ghobdhubh (A)
Caspian tern Hydroprogne caspia Geabhróg Chaispeach (A)
Black tern Chlidonias niger Geabhróg dhubh
White-winged tern Chlidonias leucopterus Geabhróg bháneiteach (A)
Whiskered tern Chlidonias hybridus Geabhróg bhroinndubh (A)
Roseate tern Sterna dougallii Geabhróg rosach
Common tern Sterna hirundo Geabhróg
Arctic tern Sterna paradisaea Geabhróg Artach
Forster's tern Sterna forsteri Geabhróg Forster (A)
Royal tern Thalasseus maximus Geabhróg ríoga (A)
Sandwich tern Thalasseus sandvicensis Geabhróg scothdhubh
Elegant tern Thalasseus elegans Geabhróg ghalánta (A)
Lesser crested tern Thalasseus bengalensis (A)
Black skimmer[2] Rynchops niger (A)

Tropicbirds

Order: Phaethontiformes   Family: Phaethontidae

Tropicbirds are slender white birds of tropical oceans, with exceptionally long central tail feathers. Their long wings have black markings, as does the head.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
White-tailed tropicbird[2] Phaethon lepturus (A)
Red-billed tropicbird Phaethon aethereus (A)

Loons

Common loon, a winter visitor to coastal waters.

Order: Gaviiformes   Family: Gaviidae

Loons, also known as divers, are a group of aquatic birds found in many parts of North America and northern Europe. They are the size of a large duck or small goose, which they somewhat resemble in shape when swimming, but to which they are completely unrelated.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Red-throated loon Gavia stellata Lóma rua
Arctic loon Gavia arctica Lóma Artach (A)
Pacific loon Gavia pacifica (A)
Common loon Gavia immer Lóma mór
Yellow-billed loon Gavia adamsii Lóma gobgheal (A)

Albatrosses

Order: Procellariiformes   Family: Diomedeidae

The albatrosses are among the largest of flying birds, and the great albatrosses from the genus Diomedea have the largest wingspans of any extant birds.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Black-browed albatross Thalassarche melanophris Albatras dú-mhalach (A)

Southern storm-petrels

Order: Procellariiformes   Family: Oceanitidae

The storm-petrels are the smallest seabirds, relatives of the petrels, feeding on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like. Until 2018, this family's species were included with the other storm-petrels in family Hydrobatidae.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Wilson's storm-petrel Oceanites oceanicus Guairdeall Wilson (A)

Northern storm-petrels

European storm-petrel; Ireland has the world's largest breeding population.

Order: Procellariiformes   Family: Hydrobatidae

Though the members of this family are similar in many respects to the southern storm-petrels, including their general appearance and habits, there are enough genetic differences to warrant their placement in a separate family.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
European storm-petrel Hydrobates pelagicus Guairdeall
Leach's storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa Guairdeall gabhlach
Swinhoe's storm-petrel Oceanodroma monorhis (A)
Band-rumped storm-petrel[2] Oceanodroma castro (A)

Shearwaters and petrels

Northern fulmars first bred in 1911 but are now widespread.

Order: Procellariiformes   Family: Procellariidae

The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized "true petrels", characterised by united nostrils with medium septum and a long outer functional primary.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Northern fulmar Fulmarus glacialis Fulmaire
Zino's petrel[2] Pterodroma madeira (A)
Fea's petrel[2] Pterodroma feae (A)
Soft-plumaged petrel[2] Pterodroma mollis (A)
Bermuda petrel Pterodroma cahow (A)
Bulwer's petrel Bulweria bulwerii (A)
Cory's shearwater Calonectris borealis Cánóg cory
Great shearwater Ardenna gravis Cánóg mhór
Sooty shearwater Ardenna griseus Cánóg dhorcha
Manx shearwater Puffinus puffinus Cánóg dhubh
Yelkouan shearwater[2] Puffinus yelkouan (A)
Balearic shearwater Puffinus mauretanicus Cánóg bhailéarach
Barolo shearwater Puffinus baroli (A)
Tropical shearwater[2] Puffinus bailloni (A)

Storks

Order: Ciconiiformes   Family: Ciconiidae

Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute, but bill-clattering is an important mode of communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Black stork Ciconia nigra Storc dubh (A)
White stork Ciconia ciconia Storc bán (A)

Frigatebirds

Order: Suliformes   Family: Fregatidae

Frigatebirds are large seabirds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black-and-white, or completely black, with long wings and deeply forked tails. The males have coloured inflatable throat pouches. They do not swim or walk and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan-to-body-weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Frigatebird species Fregata sp. (A)

Boobies and gannets

Order: Suliformes   Family: Sulidae

The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups are medium to large coastal seabirds that plunge-dive for fish.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Brown booby[2] Sula leucogaster (A)
Northern gannet Morus bassanus Gainead

Cormorants and shags

European shags, common around the coast.

Order: Suliformes   Family: Phalacrocoracidae

Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium to large coastal, fish-eating seabirds that includes cormorants and shags. Plumage colouration varies, with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black-and-white and a few being colourful.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Broigheall
European shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis Seaga
Double-crested cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus (A)

Herons, egrets, and bitterns

Little egret, first bred in 1997 and is increasingly common.
Cattle egret, a rare vagrant.

Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Ardeidae

The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons, and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter-necked and more wary. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises, and spoonbills.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
American bittern Botaurus lentiginosus Bonnán Meiriceánach (A)
Great bittern Botaurus stellaris Bonnán (A)
Little bittern Ixobrychus minutus Bonnán beag (A)
Gray heron Ardea cinerea Corr réisc
Purple heron Ardea purpurea Corr chorcra
Great egret Ardea alba Éigrit mhór
Little egret Egretta garzetta Éigrit bheag
Little blue heron Egretta caerulea (A)
Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis Éigrit eallaigh (A)
Squacco heron Ardeola ralloides (A)
Green heron Butorides virescens (A)
Black-crowned night-heron Nycticorax nycticorax (A)

Ibises and spoonbills

Eurasian spoonbill, a rare visitor.

Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Threskiornithidae

Threskiornithidae is a family of large terrestrial and wading birds which includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings with 11 primary and about 20 secondary feathers. They are strong fliers and despite their size and weight, very capable soarers.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Glossy ibis Plegadis falcinellus (A)
Eurasian spoonbill Platalea leucorodia (A)

Osprey

Order: Accipitriformes   Family: Pandionidae

The family Pandionidae contains only one species, the osprey. The osprey is a medium-large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide distribution.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Osprey Pandion haliaetus Coirneach

Hawks, eagles, and kites

Hen harrier, a rare breeding bird.
Common buzzard, increasing and spreading.

Order: Accipitriformes   Family: Accipitridae

Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers, and Old World vultures. These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons, and keen eyesight.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
European honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus Clamhán míl (A)
Eurasian griffon Gyps fulvus Bultúr gríofa (A)
Greater spotted eagle Clanga clanga (A)
Golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos Iolar firéan (A, being reintroduced)
Eurasian marsh-harrier Circus aeruginosus Cromán móna
Hen harrier Circus cyaneus Cromán na gearc
Northern harrier Circus hudsonius (A)
Pallid harrier Circus macrourus (A)
Montagu's harrier Circus pygargus Cromán liath (A)
Eurasian sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Spioróg
Northern goshawk Accipiter gentilis Spioróg mhór (A)
Red kite Milvus milvus Cúr rua
Black kite Milvus migrans Cúr dubh
Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Iolar mhaol (A)
White-tailed eagle Haliaeetus albicilla Iolar mara (A, being reintroduced)
Rough-legged hawk Buteo lagopus Clamhán lópach (A)
Common buzzard Buteo buteo Clamhán

Barn-owls

Order: Strigiformes   Family: Tytonidae

Barn-owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Barn owl Tyto alba Scréachóg reilige

Owls

Long-eared owl, a difficult-to-see resident.

Order: Strigiformes   Family: Strigidae

The typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak, and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Eurasian scops-owl Otus scops (A)
Snowy owl Bubo scandiacus Ulchabhán sneachtúil (A)
Little owl Athene noctua (A)
Long-eared owl Asio otus Ceann cait
Short-eared owl Asio flammeus Ulchabhán réisc

Hoopoes

Order: Bucerotiformes   Family: Upupidae

Hoopoes have black, white, and orangey-pink colouring with a large erectile crest on their head.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Eurasian hoopoe Upupa epops Húpú

Kingfishers

Common kingfisher, seen beside rivers and lakes.

Order: Coraciiformes   Family: Alcedinidae

Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Common kingfisher Alcedo atthis Cruidín
Belted kingfisher Ceryle alcyon (A)

Bee-eaters

Order: Coraciiformes   Family: Meropidae

The bee-eaters are a family of near passerine birds found mostly in Africa, but others occur in southern Europe, Madagascar, Australia, and New Guinea. They are characterised by richly coloured plumage, slender bodies, and usually elongated central tail feathers. All are colourful and have long downturned bills and pointed wings, which give them a swallow-like appearance when seen from afar.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
European bee-eater Merops apiaster (A)

Rollers

Order: Coraciiformes   Family: Coraciidae

Rollers resemble crows in size and build, but are more closely related to the kingfishers and bee-eaters. They share the colourful appearance of those groups with blues and browns predominating. The two inner front toes are connected, but the outer toe is not.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
European roller Coracias garrulus (A)

Woodpeckers

Great spotted woodpecker, an occasional visitor which has bred recently.

Order: Piciformes   Family: Picidae

Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails, and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks. Great spotted woodpecker has started breeding in recent years.[5]

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Eurasian wryneck Jynx torquilla (A)
Yellow-bellied sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius (A)
Great spotted woodpecker Dendrocopos major Mórchnagaire breac
Eurasian green woodpecker Picus viridis

Falcons and caracaras

Eurasian kestrel, a common resident.

Order: Falconiformes   Family: Falconidae

Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey. They differ from hawks, eagles, and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Lesser kestrel Falco naumanni Mionphocaire gaoithe (A)
Eurasian kestrel Falco tinnunculus Pocaire gaoithe
Red-footed falcon Falco vespertinus Fabhcún cosdearg (A)
Merlin Falco columbarius Meirliún
Eurasian hobby Falco subbuteo Fabhcún coille (A)
Gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus Fabhcún mór (A)
Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus Fabhcún gorm

Tyrant flycatchers

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Tyrannidae

Tyrant flycatchers occur throughout North and South America. They superficially resemble the Old World flycatchers, but are more robust and have stronger bills. They do not have the sophisticated vocal capabilities of the songbirds. Most, but not all, are rather plain. As the name implies, most are insectivorous.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Eastern kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus (A)

Vireos, shrike-babblers, and erpornis

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Vireonidae

The vireos are a group of small to medium-sized passerine birds restricted to the New World. They are typically greenish in colour and resemble New World warblers apart from their heavier bills.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Philadelphia vireo Vireo philadelphicus (A)
Red-eyed vireo Vireo olivaceus (A)

Old World orioles

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Oriolidae

The Old World orioles are colourful passerine birds. They are not related to the New World orioles.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Eurasian golden oriole Oriolus oriolus (A)

Shrikes

Red-backed shrike, a rare passage migrant.

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Laniidae

Shrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching other birds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns. A shrike's beak is hooked, like that of a typical bird of prey.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Red-backed shrike Lanius collurio Scréachán droimrua
Red-tailed shrike[2] Lanius phoenicuroides (A)
Isabelline shrike Lanius isabellinus (A)
Brown shrike Lanius cristatus (A)
Great gray shrike Lanius excubitor Mórscréachán liath (A)
Lesser gray shrike Lanius minor Mionscréachán liath (A)
Woodchat shrike Lanius senator Scréachán coille (A)

Crows, jays, and magpies

Hooded crow, a common resident in many habitats.

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Corvidae

The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jackdaws, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers, and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes, and some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Eurasian jay Garrulus glandarius Scréachóg / scéachóg choille
Eurasian magpie Pica pica Snag breac
Red-billed chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Cág cosdearg
Eurasian jackdaw Corvus monedula Cág
Rook Corvus frugilegus Rúcach
Carrion crow Corvus corone Caróg dhubh
Common raven Corvus corax Fiach dubh
Hooded crow Corvus cornix Caróg liath

Tits, chickadees, and titmice

Coal tit, common in woods and gardens.

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Paridae

The Paridae are mainly small stocky woodland species with short stout bills. Some have crests. They are adaptable birds, with a mixed diet including seeds and insects.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Coal tit Periparus ater Meantán dubh
Marsh tit Poecile palustris Meantán lathaí (A)
Eurasian blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus Meantán gorm
Great tit Parus major Meantán mór

Larks

Eurasian skylark, a common resident.

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Alaudidae

Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights. Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Horned lark Eremophila alpestris Fuiseog adharcach
Greater short-toed lark Calandrella brachydactyla Fuiseog ladharghearr (A)
Wood lark Lullula arborea Fuiseog choille (A)
Eurasian skylark Alauda arvensis Fuiseog

Bearded reedling

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Panuridae

This species, the only one in its family, is found in reed beds throughout temperate Europe and Asia.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Bearded reedling Panurus biarmicus Meantán croiméalach (A)

Cisticolas and allies

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Cisticolidae

The Cisticolidae are warblers found mainly in warmer southern regions of the Old World. They are generally very small birds of drab brown or grey appearance found in open country such as grassland or scrub.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Zitting cisticola Cisticola juncidis (A)

Reed warblers and allies

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Acrocephalidae

The members of this family are usually rather large for "warblers". Most are rather plain olivaceous brown above with much yellow to beige below. They are usually found in open woodland, reedbeds, or tall grass. The family occurs mostly in southern to western Eurasia and surroundings, but it also ranges far into the Pacific, with some species in Africa.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Booted warbler Iduna caligata (A)
Sykes's warbler Iduna rama (A)
Eastern olivaceous warbler Iduna pallida (A)
Melodious warbler Hippolais polyglotta (A)
Icterine warbler Hippolais icterina (A)
Aquatic warbler Acrocephalus paludicola (A)
Sedge warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Ceolaire cíbe
Paddyfield warbler Acrocephalus agricola (A)
Blyth's reed warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum (A)
Marsh warbler Acrocephalus palustris (A)
Eurasian reed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus Ceolaire giolcaí
Great reed warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus Ceolaire giolcaí mór (A)

Grassbirds and allies

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Locustellidae

Locustellidae are a family of small insectivorous songbirds found mainly in Eurasia, Africa, and the Australian region. They are smallish birds with tails that are usually long and pointed, and tend to be drab brownish or buffy all over.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Pallas's grasshopper-warbler Locustella certhiola (A)
Savi's warbler Locustella luscinioides (A)
Common grasshopper-warbler Locustella naevia Ceolaire casarnaí

Swallows

Barn swallow, a very common summer visitor.

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Hirundinidae

The family Hirundinidae is adapted to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings, and a short bill with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Bank swallow Riparia riparia Gabhlán gainimh
Barn swallow Hirundo rustica Fáinleog
Red-rumped swallow Cecropis daurica (A)
Cliff swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota (A)
Common house-martin Delichon urbicum Gabhlán binne

Leaf warblers

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Phylloscopidae

Leaf warblers are a family of small insectivorous birds found mostly in Eurasia and ranging into Wallacea and Africa. The species are of various sizes, often green-plumaged above and yellow below, or more subdued with greyish-green to greyish-brown colors.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Wood warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix Ceolaire coille
Western Bonelli's warbler Phylloscopus bonelli (A)
Eastern Bonelli's warbler[2] Phylloscopus orientalis (A)
Pallas's leaf warbler Phylloscopus proregulus (A)
Yellow-browed warbler Phylloscopus inornatus Ceolaire buímhalach
Hume's warbler Phylloscopus humei (A)
Radde's warbler Phylloscopus schwarzi (A)
Dusky warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus (A)
Willow warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Ceolaire sailí
Common chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Tiuf-teaf
Iberian chiffchaff Phylloscopus ibericus (A)
Greenish warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides (A)
Arctic warbler Phylloscopus borealis (A)

Bush warblers and allies

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Scotocercidae

The members of this family are found throughout Africa, Asia, and Polynesia. This species is the only one found regularly in Europe.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Cetti's warbler Cettia cetti (A)

Long-tailed tits

Long-tailed tit, a common resident.

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Aegithalidae

Long-tailed tits are a group of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They make woven bag nests in trees. Most eat a mixed diet which includes insects.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Long-tailed tit Aegithalos caudatus Meantán earrfhada

Sylviid warblers, parrotbills, and allies

Eurasian blackcap, most places in Ireland have residents.

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Sylviidae

The family Sylviidae is a group of small insectivorous passerine birds. They mainly occur as breeding species, as another common name (Old World warblers) implies, in Europe, Asia, and, to a lesser extent, Africa. Most are of generally undistinguished appearance, but many have distinctive songs.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Eurasian blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Caipín dubh
Garden warbler Sylvia borin Ceolaire garraí
Barred warbler Sylvia nisoria (A)
Lesser whitethroat Sylvia curruca Gilphíb bheag
Subalpine warbler Sylvia cantillans (A)
Sardinian warbler Sylvia melanocephala (A)
Greater whitethroat Sylvia communis Gilbhíb mór
Dartford warbler Sylvia undata (A)

Kinglets

Goldcrest, Ireland's smallest bird.

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Regulidae

The kinglets, also called crests, are a small group of birds which were sometimes included in the Old World warblers, family Sylviidae.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Ruby-crowned kinglet Regulus calendula (A)
Goldcrest Regulus regulus Cíorbhuí
Common firecrest Regulus ignicapillus Lasairchíor

Treecreepers

Eurasian treecreeper, an inconspicuous resident.

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Certhiidae

Treecreepers are small woodland birds, brown above and white below. They have thin pointed down-curved bills, which they use to extricate insects from bark. They have stiff tail feathers, like woodpeckers, which they use to support themselves on vertical trees.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Eurasian treecreeper Certhia familiaris Snag

Wrens

Eurasian wren, "hunting the wren" is an old tradition in Ireland.

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Troglodytidae

The wrens are mainly small and inconspicuous except for their loud songs. These birds have short wings and thin down-turned bills. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Eurasian wren Troglodytes troglodytes Dreolín

Dippers

White-throated dipper, found along fast-flowing streams and rivers.

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Cinclidae

Dippers are a group of perching birds whose habitat includes aquatic environments in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. They are named for their bobbing or dipping movements.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
White-throated dipper Cinclus cinclus Gabha dubh

Starlings

European starling, a common breeding bird with more arriving in winter.

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Sturnidae

Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. Their flight is strong and direct and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country. They eat insects and fruit. Plumage is typically dark with a metallic sheen.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
European starling Sturnus vulgaris Druid
Rosy starling Pastor roseus (A)

Mockingbirds and thrashers

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Mimidae

The mimids are a family of passerine birds that includes thrashers, mockingbirds, tremblers, and the New World catbirds. These birds are notable for their vocalizations, especially their ability to mimic a wide variety of birds and other sounds heard outdoors. Their colouring tends towards dull-greys and browns.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Gray catbird Dumetella carolinensis (A)

Thrushes and allies

Ring ouzel, a rare summer visitor to high mountains.

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Turdidae

The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Siberian thrush Geokichla sibirica (A)
White's thrush Zoothera dauma (A)
Veery[2] Catharus fuscescens (A)
Gray-cheeked thrush Catharus minimus (A)
Swainson's thrush Catharus ustulatus (A)
Hermit thrush Catharus guttatus (A)
Mistle thrush Turdus viscivorus Smólach mór
Song thrush Turdus philomelos Smólach ceoil
Redwing Turdus iliacus Deargán sneachta
Eurasian blackbird Turdus merula Lon dubh
American robin Turdus migratorius Spideog (A)
Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Sacán
Ring ouzel Turdus torquatus Lon creige
Black-throated thrush[2] Turdus atrogularis (A)
Dusky thrush[2] Turdus eunomus (A)
Naumann's thrush[2] Turdus naumanni (A)

Old World flycatchers

Spotted flycatcher, one of the last summer visitors to arrive.
European robin, a common and familiar resident.

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Muscicapidae

Old World flycatchers are a large family of mainly small arboreal insectivores. The appearance of these birds is highly varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Spotted flycatcher Muscicapa striata Cuilire liath
Rufous-tailed scrub-robin Cercotrichas galactotes (A)
European robin Erithacus rubecula Spideog
Thrush nightingale Luscinia luscinia (A)
Common nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos (A)
Bluethroat Luscinia svecica (A)
Red-flanked bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus (A)
Taiga flycatcher[2] Ficedula albicilla (A)
Red-breasted flycatcher Ficedula parva (A)
European pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca
Collared flycatcher Ficedula albicollis (A)
Common redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus Earrdheargán
Black redstart Phoenicurus ochruros Earrdheargán dubh
Rufous-tailed rock-thrush Monticola saxatilis (A)
Whinchat Saxicola rubetra Caislín aitinn
European stonechat Saxicola rubicola Caislín cloch
Siberian stonechat Saxicola maurus (A)
Northern wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe
Isabelline wheatear Oenanthe isabellina (A)
Desert wheatear Oenanthe deserti (A)
Pied wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka (A)
Black-eared wheatear Oenanthe hispanica (A)
Black wheatear[2] Oenanthe leucura Clochrán dubh (A)

Waxwings

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Bombycillidae

The waxwings are a group of birds with soft silky plumage and unique red tips to some of the wing feathers. In the Bohemian and cedar waxwings, these tips look like sealing wax and give the group its name. These are arboreal birds of northern forests. They live on insects in summer and berries in winter.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Bohemian waxwing Bombycilla garrulus Síodeiteach
Cedar waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum (A)

Accentors

Dunnock, a very common resident.

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Prunellidae

The accentors are the only bird family which is completely endemic to the Palearctic. They are small, fairly drab species superficially similar to Old World sparrows.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Siberian accentor[2] Prunella montanella (A)
Dunnock Prunella modularis Donnóg

Old World sparrows

House sparrow, common around human habitation.

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Passeridae

Sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small, plump, brown or grey birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed eaters, but they also consume small insects.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
House sparrow Passer domesticus Gealbhan binne
Eurasian tree sparrow Passer montanus Gealbhan crainn

Wagtails and pipits

Pied wagtail, a common and widespread resident.
Gray wagtail is slightly larger than white wagtail.

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Motacillidae

Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. They are slender, ground feeding insectivores of open country.

Two subspecies of white wagtail occur in Ireland:[6]

  • Motacilla alba yarrelli, "pied wagtail", a common breeding resident.
  • M. a. alba, nominate subspecies occurring as a migrant.
Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Gray wagtail Motacilla cinerea Glasóg liath
Western yellow wagtail Motacilla flava
Eastern yellow wagtail[2] Motacilla tschutschensis (A)
Citrine wagtail Motacilla citreola (A)
White wagtail Motacilla alba Glasóg shráide / glasóg bhán
Richard's pipit Anthus richardi Riabhóg Richard (A)
Tawny pipit Anthus campestris Riabhóg dhonn (A)
Meadow pipit Anthus pratensis Riabhóg mhóna
Tree pipit Anthus trivialis Riabhóg choille
Olive-backed pipit Anthus hodgsoni Riabhóg dhroimghlas (A)
Pechora pipit Anthus gustavi Riabhóg Pechora (A)
Red-throated pipit Anthus cervinus Riabhóg phíbrua (A)
Water pipit Anthus spinoletta Riabhóg uisce (A)
Rock pipit Anthus petrosus Riabhóg chladaigh
American pipit Anthus rubescens (A)

Finches, euphonias, and allies

Common chaffinch, a very common resident.

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Fringillidae

Finches are seed-eating passerine birds that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have twelve tail feathers and nine primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Common chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Rí rua
Brambling Fringilla montifringilla Breacán
Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes Glasán gobmhór (A)
Common rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus Rósghlasán coiteann (A)
Eurasian bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula Corcrán coille
European greenfinch Chloris chloris Glasán darach
Twite Linaria flavirostris Gleoiseach sléibhe
Eurasian linnet Linaria cannabina Gleoiseach
Common redpoll Acanthis flammea Deargéadan
Lesser redpoll[2] Acanthis cabaret Deargéadan beag
Hoary redpoll Acanthis hornemanni (A)
Parrot crossbill Loxia pytyopsittacus (A)
Red crossbill Loxia curvirostra Crosghob rua
White-winged crossbill Loxia leucoptera Crosghob báneiteach (A)
European goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Lasair choille
European serin Serinus serinus Seirín (A)
Eurasian siskin Spinus spinus Siscín

Longspurs and snow buntings

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Calcariidae

The Calcariidae are a group of passerine birds that had been traditionally grouped with the New World sparrows, but differ in a number of respects and are usually found in open grassy areas.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Lapland longspur Calcarius lapponicus Gealóg Laplannach
Snow bunting Plectrophenax nivalis Gealóg shneachta

Old World buntings

Yellowhammer, a declining resident.

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Emberizidae

Emberizidae is a family of passerine birds containing a single genus. Until 2017, the New World sparrows (Passerellidae) were also considered part of this family.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Black-headed bunting Emberiza melanocephala Gealóg cheanndubh (A)
Corn bunting Emberiza calandra Gealóg bhuachair (A, formerly bred)
Cirl bunting Emberiza cirlus Cirlghealóg (A)
Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella Buíóg
Pine bunting Emberiza leucocephalos Gealóg phéine (A)
Ortolan bunting Emberiza hortulana Gealóg gharraí (A)
Reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus Gealóg ghiolcaí
Yellow-breasted bunting Emberiza aureola Gealóg bhroinnbhuí (A)
Little bunting Emberiza pusilla Gealóg bheag (A)
Rustic bunting Emberiza rustica Gealóg thuathúil (A)

New world sparrows

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Passerellidae

Until 2017, these species were considered part of the family Emberizidae. Most of the species are known as sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many of these have distinctive head patterns.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Fox sparrow Passerella iliaca (A)
Dark-eyed junco Junco hyemalis (A)
White-crowned sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys (A)
White-throated sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis (A)

Troupials and allies

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Icteridae

The icterids are a group of small to medium-sized, often colourful, passerine birds restricted to the New World and include the grackles, New World blackbirds, and New World orioles. Most species have black as the predominant plumage colour, often enlivened by yellow, orange, or red.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus (A)
Baltimore oriole Icterus galbula (A)

New World warblers

Blue-winged warbler, one on Cape Clear Island in 2000 was the first European record of this North American bird.

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Parulidae

The New World warblers are a group of small, often colourful, passerine birds restricted to the New World. Most are arboreal, but some are terrestrial. Most members of this family are insectivores.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla (A)
Northern waterthrush Parkesia noveboracensis (A)
Blue-winged warbler Vermivora cyanoptera (A)
Black-and-white warbler Mniotilta varia (A)
Common yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas (A)
American redstart Setophaga ruticilla (A)
Northern parula Setophaga americana (A)
Yellow warbler Setophaga petechia (A)
Blackpoll warbler Setophaga striata (A)
Yellow-rumped warbler Setophaga coronata (A)
Canada warbler Cardellina canadensis (A)
Wilson's warbler Cardellina pusilla (A)

Cardinals and allies

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Cardinalidae

The cardinals are a family of robust, seed-eating birds with strong bills. They are typically associated with open woodland. The sexes usually have distinct plumages.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Scarlet tanager Piranga olivacea (A)
Rose-breasted grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus (A)
Indigo bunting Passerina cyanea (A)

References

  1. ^ "The Irish list as on 31st December 2015" (PDF). Irish Rare Birds Committee. 31 December 2015. Retrieved 20 August 2019.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z Lepage, Denis (23 June 2019). "Checklist of birds of Ireland". Bird Checklists of the World. Avibase. Retrieved 20 August 2019.
  3. ^ Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, S. M. Billerman, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2019. The eBird/Clements Checklist of Birds of the World: v2019. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/ Retrieved 15 August 2019
  4. ^ ""Mallard"". téarma.ie. The National Terminology Database for Irish.
  5. ^ "Have you heard Ireland's drumming woodpeckers?". RTE. 3 April 2018. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
  6. ^ https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.whiwag.01
  • Dempsey, Eric & O'Clery, Michael (1995). Pocket Guide to the Common Birds of Ireland. Gill & Macmillan Ltd, Dublin.
  • Dempsey, Eric & O'Clery, Michael (2007). Finding Birds in Ireland: The Complete Guide. Gill & Macmillan Ltd, Dublin.

See also

External links

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