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List of birds of Ireland facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Atlantic Puffin Latrabjarg Iceland 05c
Atlantic puffins nest in colonies around the coast.

The avifauna of Ireland included a total of 522 species as of the end of 2019 according to the Irish Rare Birds Committee (IRBC). Of them, 183 are rare, and 14 of the rarities have not been seen in Ireland since 1950. Three species were either introduced to Ireland or came to Ireland from another introduced population.

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 International Ornithological Congress (IOC) as of July 2021. Many of the Irish names are taken from the National Terminology Database for Irish.

The following A, B, and C tags are used by the IRBC to define the status of species. "R" is used here for rare 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). Some species have records of individuals in more than one category; the "highest" category is listed here in those cases.

  • A - "Species that have been recorded in an apparently natural state in Ireland at least once since 1st January 1950."
  • B - "Species that have been recorded in an apparently natural state in Ireland at least once up to 31st December 1949, but have not been recorded subsequently." i.e. old vagrant records and/or extirpated species.
  • C - "Species that, although originally introduced by man, have established feral breeding populations in Ireland which apparently maintain themselves without necessary recourse to further introduction [and species] that have occurred, but are considered to have originated from established naturalised populations outside Ireland."
  • R - Species on IRBC Appendix 1, those "requiring substantiating details", i.e. rarities.


Ducks, geese, swans

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

Pheasants and allies

Perdix perdix (Marek Szczepanek)
The grey 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
Western capercaillie Tetrao urogallus Capall coille B
Willow ptarmigan Lagopus lagopus Tarmachan A
Grey partridge Perdix perdix Cearc coille A
Common quail Coturnix coturnix Gearg / gearraghuirt A
Common pheasant Phasianus colchicus Feasán mhuinceach C

Nightjars

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
European nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus Tuirne lín A
Common nighthawk Chordeiles minor Tuirne lín Meiriceánach A R

Swifts

ApusApusKlausRoggel05
Common swift, a summer visitor.

Order: Apodiformes   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
White-throated needletail Hirundapus caudacutus Gabhlán earrspíonach A R
Chimney swift Chaetura pelagica Gabhlán simléir A R
Alpine swift Tachymarptis melba Gabhlán alpach A
Common swift Apus apus Gabhlán gaoithe A
Pallid swift Apus pallidus Gabhlán bánlíoch A R
Little swift Apus affinis Gabhlán beag A R

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 Bustard mór B R
Little bustard Tetrax tetrax Bustard beag B R

Cuckoos

Kuckuck (Cuculus canorus) by Tim Peukert
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 R
Black-billed cuckoo Coccyzus erythropthalmus Cuach bhobdhubh B R
Common cuckoo Cuculus canorus Cuach 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 R

Pigeons and doves

Tuerkentaube1
Eurasian collared-dove, first recorded in 1959 and now common.
Paloma bravía (Columba livia), Palacio de Nymphenburg, Múnich, Alemania01
Rock dove, 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 dove Columba livia Colm aille A
Stock dove Columba oenas Colm gorm A
Common wood pigeon Columba palumbus Colm coille A
European turtle dove Streptopelia turtur Fearán A
Eurasian collared dove Streptopelia decaocto Fearán baicdhubh A
Mourning dove Zenaida macroura Fearán gubhach A R

Rails, crakes and coots

Corncrake2 cropped
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 A
Corn crake Crex crex Traonach A
Sora Porzana carolina Gearr sora A R
Spotted crake Porzana porzana Gearr breac A
Common moorhen Gallinula chloropus Cearc uisce / truisc / coileach fraoich A
Eurasian coot Fulica atra Cearc cheannann A
American coot Fulica americana Cearc mheiriceánach A R
Allen's gallinule Porphyrio alleni A R
Purple gallinule Porphyrio martinica Cearcóg A R
Baillon's crake Zapornia pusilla Gearr biorra A R
Little crake Zapornia parva Gearr beag B R

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 B R
Common crane Grus grus Corr / grús A

Grebes

Podiceps cristatus 1 (Lukasz Lukasik)
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 A
Pied-billed grebe Podilymbus podiceps Foithíoch gob-alabhreac A R
Red-necked grebe Podiceps grisegena Foitheach píbrua A
Great crested grebe Podiceps cristatus Foitheach mór / Lúnadán mór an chorraicín A
Horned grebe Podiceps auritus Beann-foitheach A
Black-necked grebe Podiceps nigricollis Foithíoch cluasach A

Stone-curlews, 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 stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus Glúinramhrach caoirliun A R

Oystercatchers

Haematopus ostralegus He
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 A

Stilts, 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 A
Pied avocet Recurvirostra avosetta Abhóiséad breac A

Plovers

Northern Lapwing
Northern lapwing, common in winter but less so in summer.
Pluvialis squatarola
Black-bellied plovers breed in Arctic regions.
Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) (11)
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
Northern lapwing Vanellus vanellus Saotharcán Tuaisceartach A
Sociable lapwing Vanellus gregarius Saotharcóg / pilibín A R
European golden plover Pluvialis apricaria Feadóg bhuí / fideog A
American golden plover Pluvialis dominica Feadó bhuí mhericeánach A
Pacific golden plover Pluvialis fulva Feadóg bhuí Áiseach A R
Grey plover Pluvialis squatarola Feadóg bolgdubh A
Common ringed plover Charadrius hiaticula Feadóg chladaigh / feadóg an fháinne / ladhrán A
Semipalmated plover Charadrius semipalmatus Gobadáinín mionbhosach A R
Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius Feadóg an fháinne beag A
Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Feadóg ghlórach A
Kentish plover Charadrius alexandrinus Feadóigín chosdubh A R
Lesser sand plover Charadrius mongolus Feadóg mhara beag A R
Greater sand plover Charadrius leschenaultii Feadóg mhara mhór A
Eurasian dotterel Charadrius morinellus Amadán móinteach A

Sandpipers, snipes

Numenius arquata Reculver
Eurasian curlew, widespread breeder with larger numbers in winter.
Arenaria interpres SK
Ruddy turnstone, common on rocky coasts.
Pectoral Sandpiper3
Pectoral sandpiper, a frequent vagrant from North America.
Phalaropus lobatus
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 R
Eurasian whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Crotach eanaigh A
Eskimo curlew Numenius borealis Crotach Artach B
Eurasian curlew Numenius arquata Crotach / cruiteach A
Bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica Guibneach stríocearrach A
Black-tailed godwit Limosa limosa Guilbneach earrdubh A
Hudsonian godwit Limosa haemastica Guilbneach brionn dearg A R
Ruddy turnstone Arenaria interpres Piadálai trá ruadh A
Great knot Calidris tenuirostris Cnota mór A R
Red knot Calidris canutus Cnota rua A
Ruff Calidris pugnax Rufachán A
Broad-billed sandpiper Calidris falcinellus Gobadán gobleathan A
Sharp-tailed sandpiper Calidris acuminata Gobadán earr-rinneach A R
Stilt sandpiper Calidris himantopus Gobadán scodlach A R
Curlew sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Gobadán crotaigh A
Temminck's stint Calidris temminckii Gobadáinín tomaltaig A
Long-toed stint Calidris subminuta Gobadáinín ladharfhada A R
Red-necked stint Calidris ruficollis Gobadán droimrua A R
Sanderling Calidris alba Luathrán A
Dunlin Calidris alpina Breacó A
Purple sandpiper Calidris maritima Gobadan cosbhuí A
Baird's sandpiper Calidris bairdii Gobadán bárd A
Little stint Calidris minuta Gobadáinín beag A
Least sandpiper Calidris minutilla Gobadáinín bídeach A R
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 A
Semipalmated sandpiper Calidris pusilla Gobadán mionbhosach A
Western sandpiper Calidris mauri Gobadán iartharach A R
Long-billed dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus Guilbnín gobfhada A
Short-billed dowitcher Limnodromus griseus Guilbnín gobghearr A R
Eurasian woodcock Scolopax rusticola Creabhar A
Jack snipe Lymnocryptes minimus Naoscach bhídeach A
Great snipe Gallinago media Naoscach mór A R
Common snipe Gallinago gallinago Naoscach A
Wilson's snipe Gallinago delicata Naoscach macliam A R
Terek sandpiper Xenus cinereus Bodairlín lusrachán A R
Wilson's phalarope Phalaropus tricolor Falaróp macliam A
Red-necked phalarope Phalaropus lobatus Falaróp gobchaol A
Red phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius Falaróp rua A
Common sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Gobadán coiteann A
Spotted sandpiper Actitis macularia Gobadán breac A R
Green sandpiper Tringa ochropus Gobadán glas A
Solitary sandpiper Tringa solitaria Gobadán aonarach A R
Lesser yellowlegs Tringa flavipes Mionladhrán buí A
Common redshank Tringa totanus Cosdeargán A
Marsh sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis Gobadán corraigh A R
Wood sandpiper Tringa glareola Gobadán coille A
Spotted redshank Tringa erythropus Cosdeargán breac A
Common greenshank Tringa nebularia Ladhrán glas A
Greater yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca Ladhrán buí A R

Coursers, pratincoles

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 R
Collared pratincole Glareola pratincola Pratancól muinceach A R
Black-winged pratincole Glareola nordmanni Pratancól dubheiteach A R

Gulls, terns, skimmers

Larus argentatus ad
Herring gull, very common resident.
RoseateTern23
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 A
Ivory gull Pagophila eburnea Faoileán eabhartha A R
Sabine's gull Xema sabini Sléibhín Sabine A
Bonaparte's gull Chroicocephalus philadelphia Sléibhín Bonaparte A
Black-headed gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus Sléibhín A
Little gull Hydrocoloeus minutus Sléibhín beag A
Ross's gull Rhodostethia rosea Faoileán Ross A
Laughing gull Leucophaeus atricilla Sléibhín an gháire A
Franklin's gull Leucophaeus pipixcan Sléibhín Franklin A R
Mediterranean gull Ichthyaetus melanocephalus Sléibhín meánmhuirí A
Common gull Larus canus Faoileán bán A
Ring-billed gull Larus delawarensis Faoileán bandghobach A
Great black-backed gull Larus marinus Droimneach mór A
Glaucous-winged gull Larus glaucescens Faoileán glas A
Glaucous gull Larus hyperboreus Faoileán glas A
Iceland gull Larus glaucoides Faoileán Íoslannach A
European herring gull Larus argentatus Faoileán scadán A
American herring gull Larus smithsonianus A
Vega gull Larus vegae A
Caspian gull Larus cachinnans Faoileán gáiriteach A R
Yellow-legged gull Larus michahellis Faoileán scadán cosbhuí A
Slaty-backed gull Larus schistisagus A R
Lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus Droimneach beag A
Gull-billed tern Gelochelidon nilotica Geabhróg ghobdhubh A R
Caspian tern Hydroprogne caspia Geabhróg Chaispeach A R
Royal tern Thalasseus maximus Geabhróg ríoga A R
Lesser crested tern Thalasseus bengalensis Miongheabhróg chíorach A R
West African crested tern Thalasseus albididorsalis A R
Sandwich tern Thalasseus sandvicensis Geabhróg scothdhubh A
Elegant tern Thalasseus elegans Geabhróg ghalánta A R
Little tern Sternula albifrons Geabhróg bheag A
Sooty tern Onychoprion fuscatus Geabhróg shúicheach A R
Roseate tern Sterna dougallii Geabhróg rosach A
Common tern Sterna hirundo Geabhróg A
Arctic tern Sterna paradisaea Geabhróg Artach A
Forster's tern Sterna forsteri Geabhróg Forster A
Whiskered tern Chlidonias hybridus Geabhróg bhroinndubh A
White-winged tern Chlidonias leucopterus Geabhróg bháneiteach A
Black tern Chlidonias niger Geabhróg dhubh A

Skuas

GreatSkuaInWater
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 A
Pomarine jaeger Stercorarius pomarinus Meirleach pomairíneach A
Parasitic jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus Meirleach Artach A
Long-tailed jaeger Stercorarius longicaudus Meirleach earrfhada A

Auks

Tystie1
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
Little auk Alle alle Foracha bheag A
Thick-billed murre Uria lomvia Foracha brünnich A R
Common murre Uria aalge Foracha A
Razorbill Alca torda Crosán A
Great auk Pinguinus impennis Foracha mhór B (extinct)
Black guillemot Cepphus grylle Foracha dhubh A
Atlantic puffin Fratercula arctica Puifín A

Loons

Common Loon (Gavia immer) in the Morro Bay
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 A
Black-throated loon Gavia arctica Lóma Artach A
Pacific loon Gavia pacifica A R
Common loon Gavia immer Lóma mór A
Yellow-billed loon Gavia adamsii Lóma gobgheal A R

Austral 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

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 R

Northern storm petrels

European Storm-petrel
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 A
Band-rumped storm petrel / Monteiro's storm petrel / Cape Verde storm petrel Hydrobates castro / Hydrobates monteiroi / Hydrobates jabejabe B R (see note)
Swinhoe's storm petrel Hydrobates monorhis A R
Leach's storm petrel Hydrobates leucorhous Guairdeall gabhlach A

Petrels, shearwaters, diving petrels

Eissturmvogel02
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
Southern giant petrel Macronectes giganteus A
Northern fulmar Fulmarus glacialis Fulmaire A
Zino's petrel Pterodroma madeira A
Fea's petrel Pterodroma feae A
Bermuda petrel Pterodroma cahow A
White-chinned petrel Procellaria aequinoctialis A
Scopoli's shearwater Calonectris diomedea A
Cory's shearwater Calonectris borealis Cánóg Cory A
Sooty shearwater Ardenna griseus Cánóg dhorcha
Short-tailed shearwater Ardenna tenuirostris A
Great shearwater Ardenna gravis Cánóg mhór
Manx shearwater Puffinus puffinus Cánóg dhubh
Yelkouan shearwater Puffinus yelkouan A
Balearic shearwater Puffinus mauretanicus
Barolo shearwater Puffinus baroli Cánóg Barolo A R
Bulwer's petrel Bulweria bulwerii Peadairín Bulwer A R

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 R
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. Speiceas frigéid A R

Gannets, boobies

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
Northern gannet Morus bassanus Gainead A
Brown booby Sula leucogaster A

Cormorants, shags

Phalacrocorax aristotelis
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 A
European shag Gulosus aristotelis Seaga A
Double-crested cormorant Nannopterum auritum Broigheall cluasach A R

Ibises and spoonbills

Loeffler
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 Íbis niamhrach A
Eurasian spoonbill Platalea leucorodia Corr leitheadach Eoráiseach A

Herons, bitterns

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)- In Breeding plumage-actively catching prey in Kolkata I IMG 7990
Little egret, first bred in 1997 and is increasingly common.
Bubulcus ibis 0011
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
Eurasian bittern Botaurus stellaris Bonnán A
American bittern Botaurus lentiginosus Bonnán Meiriceánach A R
Little bittern Ixobrychus minutus Bonnán beag A
Black-crowned night heron Nycticorax nycticorax Corr oíche A
Green heron Butorides virescens Corr ghormghlas A R
Squacco heron Ardeola ralloides Corr scréachach A
Western cattle egret Bubulcus ibis Éigrit eallaigh A
Grey heron Ardea cinerea Corr réisc A
Purple heron Ardea purpurea Corr chorcra A
Great egret Ardea alba Éigrit mhór A
Little blue heron Egretta caerulea Éigrit ghorm A R
Little egret Egretta garzetta Éigrit bheag A

Osprey

Order: Accipitriformes   Family: Pandionidae

The family Pandionidae contains o species, the osprey. Ospreys are medium-large raptors that are specialist fish-eaters.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Osprey Pandion haliaetus Coirneach A

Kites, hawks, eagles

Hen Harrier
Hen harrier, a rare breeding bird.
Buzzard
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 R
Griffon vulture Gyps fulvus Bultúr gríofa B R
Greater spotted eagle Clanga clanga Iolar breac mór B R
Golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos Iolar firéan A R
Eurasian sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Spioróg A
Eurasian goshawk Accipiter gentilis Spioróg mhór A R
Western marsh harrier Circus aeruginosus Cromán móna A
Hen harrier Circus cyaneus Cromán na gcearc A
Northern harrier Circus hudsonius A R
Pallid harrier Circus macrourus Cromán bánlíoch A R
Montagu's harrier Circus pygargus Cromán liath A
Red kite Milvus milvus Cúr rua A
Black kite Milvus migrans Cúr dubh A R
White-tailed eagle Haliaeetus albicilla Iolar mara A R
Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Iolar mhaol A R
Rough-legged buzzard Buteo lagopus Clamhán lópach A R
Common buzzard Buteo buteo Clamhán A

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
Western barn owl Tyto alba Scréachóg reilige A

Owls

CRW 2987
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 Ulchabhán scopach Eoráiseach A R
Snowy owl Bubo scandiacus Ulchabhán sneachtúil A
Little owl Athene noctua Ulchabhán beag A R
Long-eared owl Asio otus Ceann cait A
Short-eared owl Asio flammeus Ulchabhán réisc A

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 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 Rollóir Eorpach A R

Kingfishers

Alcedo atthis 1 (Lukasz Lukasik)
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 A
Belted kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon Cruidín creasa A R

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 Beachadóir Eorpach A

Woodpeckers

Dendrocopos major 4-3c
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.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Eurasian wryneck Jynx torquilla Cam-mhuin A
Yellow-bellied sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius Súdhiúlaí tarrbhuí A R
Great spotted woodpecker Dendrocopos major Mórchnagaire breac A
Eurasian green woodpecker Picus viridis Cnagaire glas B R

Caracaras, falcons

Common-Kestrel-5
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 B R
Common kestrel Falco tinnunculus Pocaire gaoithe A
Red-footed falcon Falco vespertinus Fabhcún cosdearg A
Merlin Falco columbarius Meirliún A
Eurasian hobby Falco subbuteo Fabhcún coille A
Gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus Fabhcún mór A R
Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus Fabhcún gorm A

Tyrant flycatchers, calyptura

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 R

Shrikes

Lanius collurio male am
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
Brown shrike Lanius cristatus Scréachán donn A R
Red-backed shrike Lanius collurio Scréachán droimrua A
Isabelline shrike Lanius isabellinus Scréachán isibéalach A R
Lesser grey shrike Lanius minor Mionscréachán liath A R
Great grey shrike Lanius excubitor Mórscréachán liath A R
Woodchat shrike Lanius senator Scréachán coille A

Vireos, greenlets, shrike-babblers

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 Glaséan Philadelphia A R
Red-eyed vireo Vireo olivaceus Glaséan súildearg A R

Figbirds, orioles, turnagra

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 Óiréal órga A

Crows, jays

Corvus corone cornix 0379
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 A
Eurasian magpie Pica pica Snag breac A
Red-billed chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Cág cosdearg A
Eurasian jackdaw Corvus monedula Cág A
Rook Corvus frugilegus Rúcach A
Carrion crow Corvus corone Caróg dhubh A
Hooded crow Corvus cornix Caróg liath A
Northern raven Corvus corax Fiach 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 A
Cedar waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum A R

Tits, chickadees

Coal tit (Periparus ater) on line
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 A
Marsh tit Poecile palustris Meantán lathaí A R
Eurasian blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus Meantán gorm A
Great tit Parus major Meantán mór A

Penduline tits

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Remizidae

The penduline-tits are a group of small passerine birds related to the true tits. They are insectivores.

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Eurasian penduline tit Remiz pendulinus A

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

Larks

Alauda arvensis 2
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
Wood lark Lullula arborea Fuiseog choille A R
Eurasian skylark Alauda arvensis Fuiseog A
Horned lark Eremophila alpestris Fuiseog adharcach A
Greater short-toed lark Calandrella brachydactyla Fuiseog ladharghearr A

Swallows, martins

Landsvale
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
Sand martin Riparia riparia Gabhlán gainimh A
Barn swallow Hirundo rustica Fáinleog A
Common house martin Delichon urbicum Gabhlán binne A
Red-rumped swallow Cecropis daurica Fáinleog ruaphrompach A
American cliff swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Fáinleog aille Mheiriceánach A R

Streaked scrub warbler

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 Ceolaire Cetti A R

Bushtits

Aegithalos caudatus 1 (Marek Szczepanek)
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 A

Leaf warblers and allies

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 A
Western Bonelli's warbler Phylloscopus bonelli Ceolaire Bonelli A R
Hume's leaf warbler Phylloscopus humei Ceolaire Hume A R
Yellow-browed warbler Phylloscopus inornatus Ceolaire buímhalach A
Pallas's leaf warbler Phylloscopus proregulus Ceolaire Pallas A
Radde's warbler Phylloscopus schwarzi Ceolaire Radde A R
Dusky warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus Ceolaire breacdhorcha A R
Willow warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Ceolaire sailí A
Common chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Tiuf-teaf A
Iberian chiffchaff Phylloscopus ibericus Tiuf-teaf Ibéarach A R
Greenish warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides Ceolaire scothghlas A
Arctic warbler Phylloscopus borealis Ceolaire Artach A R

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
Great reed warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus Ceolaire giolcaí mór A R
Aquatic warbler Acrocephalus paludicola Ceolaire uisce A R
Sedge warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Ceolaire cíbe A
Paddyfield warbler Acrocephalus agricola Ceolaire gort ríse A R
Blyth's reed warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum Ceolaire Blyth A R
Eurasian reed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus Ceolaire giolcaí A
Marsh warbler Acrocephalus palustris Ceolaire corraigh A R
Booted warbler Iduna caligata Ceolaire cuaráin A R
Sykes's warbler Iduna rama Ceolaire Syke A R
Eastern olivaceous warbler Iduna pallida Ceolaire bánlíoch A R
Melodious warbler Hippolais polyglotta Ceolaire binn A
Icterine warbler Hippolais icterina Ceolaire ictireach 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 Helopsaltes certhiola Ceolaire casarnaí Pallas A R
Savi's warbler Locustella luscinioides Ceolaire Savi A R
Common grasshopper warbler Locustella naevia Ceolaire casarnaí 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 Ceolaire feanearrach A R

Sylviid babblers

Sylvia atricapilla
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 A
Garden warbler Sylvia borin Ceolaire garraí A
Barred warbler Curruca nisoria Ceolaire barrach A
Lesser whitethroat Curruca curruca Gilphíb bheag A
Sardinian warbler Curruca melanocephala Ceolaire Sairdíneach A R
Western subalpine warbler Curruca iberiae A
Eastern subalpine warbler Curruca cantillans Ceolaire fo-Alpach A
Common whitethroat Curruca communis Gilbhíb mór A
Dartford warbler Curruca undata Ceolaire fraoigh A R

Goldcrests, kinglets

Roitelet-huppé
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
Common firecrest Regulus ignicapillus Lasairchíor A
Goldcrest Regulus regulus Cíorbhuí A
Ruby-crowned kinglet Corthylio calendula A R

Wrens

Zaunkoenig-photo
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 A

Treecreepers

Boomkruiper1reversed
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 coiteann A

Mockingbirds, 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
Grey catbird Dumetella carolinensis Catéan liath A R

Starlings, rhabdornis

Taking a rest
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
Rosy starling Pastor roseus Druid rósach A
European starling Sturnus vulgaris Druid A

Thrushes

Turdus torquatus2
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 Smólach Sibéarach A R
White's thrush Zoothera aurea Smólach White A R
Veery Catharus fuscescens A
Grey-cheeked thrush Catharus minimus Smólach glasleicneach A R
Swainson's thrush Catharus ustulatus Smólach Swainson A R
Hermit thrush Catharus guttatus Smólach ceallaigh A R
Ring ouzel Turdus torquatus Lon creige A
Eurasian blackbird Turdus merula Lon dubh A
Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Sacán A
Redwing Turdus iliacus Deargán sneachta A
Song thrush Turdus philomelos Smólach ceoil A
Mistle thrush Turdus viscivorus Smólach mór A
American robin Turdus migratorius Spideog A R

Chats, Old World flycatchers

SpottedFlycatcheronfence
Spotted flycatcher, one of the last summer visitors to arrive.
Robin Redbreast at Greenwich Park, London
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
Rufous-tailed scrub robin Cercotrichas galactotes Torspideog ruadhonn A R
Spotted flycatcher Muscicapa striata Cuilire liath A
European robin Erithacus rubecula Spideog A
Bluethroat Luscinia svecica Gormphíb A
Thrush nightingale Luscinia luscinia Filiméala smólaigh A R
Common nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos Filiméala A
Red-flanked bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus An t-earrghorm rua-chliathánach A R
Taiga flycatcher Ficedula albicilla A
Red-breasted flycatcher Ficedula parva Cuilire broinnrua A
European pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca Cuilire alabhreac A
Collared flycatcher Ficedula albicollis A R
Black redstart Phoenicurus ochruros Earrdheargán dubh A
Common redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus Earrdheargán A
Common rock thrush Monticola saxatilis Smólach aille A R
Whinchat Saxicola rubetra Caislín aitinn A
European stonechat Saxicola rubicola Caislín cloch A
Siberian stonechat Saxicola maurus A R
Northern wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Clochrán A
Isabelline wheatear Oenanthe isabellina Clochrán gainimh A R
Desert wheatear Oenanthe deserti Clochrán fásaigh A R
Western black-eared wheatear Oenanthe hispanica Clochrán cluasdubh A R
Pied wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka Clochrán alabhreac A
Black wheatear / White-crowned wheatear Oenanthe leucura / Oenanthe leucopyga Clochrán dubh / - A R

Dippers

Cinclus cinclus -Scotland-4-4c
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 A

Old World sparrows, snowfinches

House sparrowII
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 A
Eurasian tree sparrow Passer montanus Gealbhan crainn A

Accentors

Dunnock
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
Dunnock Prunella modularis Donnóg A

Wagtails, pipits

Pied Wagtail rear view 700
Pied wagtail, a common and widespread resident.
Grey Wagtail
Grey 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:

  • Motacilla alba yarrelli, "pied wagtail", a common breeding resident.
  • M. a. alba, nominate subspecies occurring as a migrant.
Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Western yellow wagtail Motacilla flava Glasóg bhuí iartharach A
Eastern yellow wagtail Motacilla tschutschensis Glasóg bhuí oirthearach A
Citrine wagtail Motacilla citreola Glasóg chiotrónach A
Grey wagtail Motacilla cinerea Glasóg liath A
White wagtail Motacilla alba Glasóg shráide / glasóg bhán A
Richard's pipit Anthus richardi Riabhóg Richard A
Tawny pipit Anthus campestris Riabhóg dhonn A
Meadow pipit Anthus pratensis Riabhóg mhóna A
Tree pipit Anthus trivialis Riabhóg choille A
Olive-backed pipit Anthus hodgsoni Riabhóg dhroimghlas A R
Pechora pipit Anthus gustavi Riabhóg Pechora A R
Red-throated pipit Anthus cervinus Riabhóg phíbrua A
Buff-bellied pipit Anthus rubescens Riabhóg Mheiriceánach A R
Water pipit Anthus spinoletta Riabhóg uisce A
European rock pipit Anthus petrosus Riabhóg chladaigh A

Finches, euphonias

Fringilla coelebs chaffinch male edit2
Eurasian 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
Eurasian chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Rí rua A
Brambling Fringilla montifringilla Breacán A
Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes Glasán gobmhór A
Eurasian bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula Corcrán coille A
Common rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus Rósghlasán coiteann A
European greenfinch Chloris chloris Glasán darach A
Twite Linaria flavirostris Gleoiseach sléibhe A
Common linnet Linaria cannabina Gleoiseach A
Common redpoll Acanthis flammea Deargéadan A
Lesser redpoll Acanthis cabaret Deargéadan beag A
Arctic redpoll Acanthis hornemanni Deargéadan Artach A R
Red crossbill Loxia curvirostra Crosghob rua A
Two-barred crossbill Loxia leucoptera Crosghob báneiteach A R
European goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Lasair choille A
European serin Serinus serinus Seirín A R
Eurasian siskin Spinus spinus Siscín A

Longspurs, 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 A
Snow bunting Plectrophenax nivalis Gealóg shneachta A

Buntings

Emberiza citrinella bl1
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 R
Corn bunting Emberiza calandra Gealóg bhuachair A
Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella Buíóg A
Pine bunting Emberiza leucocephalos Gealóg phéine A R
Ortolan bunting Emberiza hortulana Gealóg gharraí A
Cirl bunting Emberiza cirlus Cirlghealóg A R
Little bunting Emberiza pusilla Gealóg bheag A
Rustic bunting Emberiza rustica Gealóg thuathúil A
Yellow-breasted bunting Emberiza aureola Gealóg bhroinnbhuí A R
Common reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus Gealóg ghiolcaí 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
Red fox sparrow Passerella iliaca Gealbhan sionnaigh A R
Dark-eyed junco Junco hyemalis Luachairín shúildubh A R
White-crowned sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys Gealbhan bánchorónach A R
White-throated sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis Gealbhan píbgheal A R

Oropendolas, orioles, blackbirds

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 Bobóilinc A R
Baltimore oriole Icterus galbula Óiréal tuaisceartach A R

New World warblers

Blue-winged Warbler
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 Éan oighinn A R
Northern waterthrush Parkesia noveboracensis Smólach uisce tuaisceartach A R
Blue-winged warbler Vermivora cyanoptera Ceolaire gormeiteach A R
Black-and-white warbler Mniotilta varia Ceolaire dubh is bán A R
Common yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas Buíphíb choiteann A R
American redstart Setophaga ruticilla Earrdheargán Meiriceánach A R
Northern parula Setophaga americana Parúl tuaisceartach A R
American yellow warbler Setophaga aestiva Ceolaire buí Meiriceánach A R
Blackpoll warbler Setophaga striata Ceolaire dubhéadanach A R
Myrtle warbler Setophaga coronata Ceolaire buíphrompach A R
Canada warbler Cardellina canadensis Ceolaire Ceanadach A R
Wilson's warbler Cardellina pusilla Ceolaire Wilson A R

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 Tanagair scarlóideach A R
Rose-breasted grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus Gobach mór broinnrósach A R
Indigo bunting Passerina cyanea Gealóg phlúiríneach A R

See also

  • List of birds
  • Lists of birds by region
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List of birds of Ireland Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.