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).[1] 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.[2] Many of the Irish names are taken from the National Terminology Database for Irish.[3]

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

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
Brant gooseBranta berniclaCadhanA
Red-breasted gooseBranta ruficollisGé broinnruaA R
Canada gooseBranta canadensisGé cheanadachA R
Barnacle gooseBranta leucopsisGé ghiúrainn / cadhanA
Cackling gooseBranta hutchinsiiBrioscarnach-ghéA R
Snow gooseAnser caerulescensGé shneachtaA
Greylag gooseAnser anserCrann-ghé / gé mhór fhionn / gé ghlasA
Taiga bean-gooseAnser fabalisSíolghé taigaíA
Pink-footed gooseAnser brachyrhynchusGé ghobghearrA
Tundra bean-gooseAnser serrirostrisSíolghé tundraíA R
Greater white-fronted gooseAnser albifronsGé bhánéadanach mhórA
Lesser white-fronted gooseAnser erythropusMionghé bhánéadanach / gé bheag fhionnA R
Mute swanCygnus olorEala bhalbhA
Tundra swanCygnus columbianusEala thundraA R
Whooper swanCygnus cygnusEala ghlórachA
Common shelduckTadorna tadornaSeil-lachaA
Ruddy shelduckTadorna ferrugineaSeil-lacha rua / garg ruadhB
Mandarin duckAix galericulataLacha mhandarinC
Baikal tealSibirionetta formosaPraslacha bhaicalachA R
GarganeySpatula querquedulaPraslacha shamraidhA
Blue-winged tealSpatula discorsPraslacha ghormeiteachA
Northern shovelerSpatula clypeataSlapaire tuaisceartachA
GadwallMareca streperaGadualA
Eurasian wigeonMareca penelopeRualachaA
American wigeonMareca americanaRualacha mhericeánachA
MallardAnas platyrhynchosMallard[4]A
American black duckAnas rubripesLacha chosruaA R
Northern pintailAnas acutaBiorearrach tuaisceartachA
Eurasian tealAnas creccaPraslacha ghlaseiteachA
Green-winged tealAnas carolinensisA
Red-crested pochardNetta rufinaPóiseard cíordheargA
RedheadAythya americanaCeanndeargA R
Common pochardAythya ferinaPóiseard cíordhearg / lacha mhásachA
Ferruginous duckAythya nyrocaPóiseard ferruginousA R
Ring-necked duckAythya collarisLacha mhuinceachA
Tufted duckAythya fuligulaLacha bhadánachA
Greater scaupAythya marilaLacha iascán mórA
Lesser scaupAythya affinisMionlacha iascánA R
King eiderSomateria spectabilisÉadar taibhseach / rígh éadarA
Common eiderSomateria mollissimaÉadarA
Surf scoterMelanitta perspicillataScótar toinneA
Velvet scoterMelanitta fuscaSceadachA
White-winged scoterMelanitta deglandiScótarach bháneiteachA R
Common scoterMelanitta nigraScótar / lacha scótarachA
Black scoterMelanitta americanaScótar dubhA R
Long-tailed duckClangula hyemalisLacha earrfhadaA
BuffleheadBucephala albeolaÓrshúileach ceannsceadachA R
Common goldeneyeBucephala clangulaÓrshúileachA
Barrow's goldeneyeBucephala islandicaÓrshúileach bhearúA R
SmewMergellus albellusSíolta ghealA
Hooded merganserLophodytes cucullatusSíolta chochaillA R
Common merganserMergus merganserSíolta / tumaireA
Red-breasted merganserMergus serratorSíolta ruaA
Ruddy duckOxyura jamaicensisLachra ruaC

Pheasants and allies

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 capercaillieTetrao urogallusCapall coilleB
Willow ptarmiganLagopus lagopusTarmachanA
Grey partridgePerdix perdixCearc coilleA
Common quailCoturnix coturnixGearg / gearraghuirtA
Common pheasantPhasianus colchicusFeasán mhuinceachC

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 nightjarCaprimulgus europaeusTuirne línA
Common nighthawkChordeiles minorTuirne lín Meiriceánach[5]A R

Swifts

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 needletailHirundapus caudacutusGabhlán earrspíonachA R
Chimney swiftChaetura pelagicaGabhlán simléirA R
Alpine swiftTachymarptis melbaGabhlán alpachA
Common swiftApus apusGabhlán gaoitheA
Pallid swiftApus pallidusGabhlán bánlíochA R
Little swiftApus affinisGabhlán beagA 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 bustardOtis tardaBustard mór[6]B R
Little bustardTetrax tetraxBustard beag[7]B R

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 cuckooClamator glandariusMórchuach bhreacA
Yellow-billed cuckooCoccyzus americanusCuach ghob-bhuíA R
Black-billed cuckooCoccyzus erythropthalmusCuach bhobdhubhB R
Common cuckooCuculus canorusCuachA

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 sandgrouseSyrrhaptes paradoxusGaineamhchearcA R

Pigeons and doves

Eurasian collared-dove, first recorded in 1959 and now common.
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 doveColumba liviaColm ailleA
Stock doveColumba oenasColm gormA
Common wood pigeonColumba palumbusColm coilleA
European turtle doveStreptopelia turturFearánA
Eurasian collared doveStreptopelia decaoctoFearán baicdhubhA
Mourning doveZenaida macrouraFearán gubhachA R

Rails, crakes 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 railRallus aquaticusRálóg uisce / tradhna uisceA
Corn crakeCrex crexTraonachA
SoraPorzana carolinaGearr soraA R
Spotted crakePorzana porzanaGearr breacA
Common moorhenGallinula chloropusCearc uisce / truisc / coileach fraoichA
Eurasian cootFulica atraCearc cheannannA
American cootFulica americanaCearc mheiriceánachA R
Allen's gallinulePorphyrio alleniA R
Purple gallinulePorphyrio martinicaCearcógA R
Baillon's crakeZapornia pusillaGearr biorraA R
Little crakeZapornia parvaGearr beagB 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 craneAntiogne canadensisCorr ceanadachB R
Common craneGrus grusCorr / grúsA

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 grebeTachybaptus ruficollisSpágaire tonn / tomaire beagA
Pied-billed grebePodilymbus podicepsFoithíoch gob-alabhreacA R
Red-necked grebePodiceps grisegenaFoitheach píbruaA
Great crested grebePodiceps cristatusFoitheach mór / Lúnadán mór an chorraicínA
Horned grebePodiceps auritusBeann-foitheachA
Black-necked grebePodiceps nigricollisFoithíoch cluasachA

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-curlewBurhinus oedicnemusGlúinramhrach caoirliunA R

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 oystercatcherHaematopus ostralegusRoilleach / riabhán / scaladóirA

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 stiltHimantopus himantopusScodlach dubheiteachA
Pied avocetRecurvirostra avosettaAbhóiséad breacA

Plovers

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
Northern lapwingVanellus vanellusSaotharcán TuaisceartachA
Sociable lapwingVanellus gregariusSaotharcóg / pilibínA R
European golden ploverPluvialis apricariaFeadóg bhuí / fideogA
American golden ploverPluvialis dominicaFeadó bhuí mhericeánachA
Pacific golden ploverPluvialis fulvaFeadóg bhuí ÁiseachA R
Grey ploverPluvialis squatarolaFeadóg bolgdubhA
Common ringed ploverCharadrius hiaticulaFeadóg chladaigh / feadóg an fháinne / ladhránA
Semipalmated ploverCharadrius semipalmatusGobadáinín mionbhosachA R
Little ringed ploverCharadrius dubiusFeadóg an fháinne beagA
KilldeerCharadrius vociferusFeadóg ghlórachA
Kentish ploverCharadrius alexandrinusFeadóigín chosdubhA R
Lesser sand ploverCharadrius mongolusFeadóg mhara beagA R
Greater sand ploverCharadrius leschenaultiiFeadóg mhara mhórA
Eurasian dotterelCharadrius morinellusAmadán móinteachA

Sandpipers, snipes

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 sandpiperBartramia longicaudaGobadán sléibheA R
Eurasian whimbrelNumenius phaeopusCrotach eanaighA
Eskimo curlewNumenius borealisCrotach ArtachB
Eurasian curlewNumenius arquataCrotach / cruiteachA
Bar-tailed godwitLimosa lapponicaGuibneach stríocearrachA
Black-tailed godwitLimosa limosaGuilbneach earrdubhA
Hudsonian godwitLimosa haemasticaGuilbneach brionn deargA R
Ruddy turnstoneArenaria interpresPiadálai trá ruadhA
Great knotCalidris tenuirostrisCnota mórA R
Red knotCalidris canutusCnota ruaA
RuffCalidris pugnaxRufachánA
Broad-billed sandpiperCalidris falcinellusGobadán gobleathanA
Sharp-tailed sandpiperCalidris acuminataGobadán earr-rinneachA R
Stilt sandpiperCalidris himantopusGobadán scodlachA R
Curlew sandpiperCalidris ferrugineaGobadán crotaighA
Temminck's stintCalidris temminckiiGobadáinín tomaltaigA
Long-toed stintCalidris subminutaGobadáinín ladharfhadaA R
Red-necked stintCalidris ruficollisGobadán droimruaA R
SanderlingCalidris albaLuathránA
DunlinCalidris alpinaBreacóA
Purple sandpiperCalidris maritimaGobadan cosbhuíA
Baird's sandpiperCalidris bairdiiGobadán bárdA
Little stintCalidris minutaGobadáinín beagA
Least sandpiperCalidris minutillaGobadáinín bídeachA R
White-rumped sandpiperCalidris fuscicollisGobadán bánphrompach / gobadán tónbháinA
Buff-breasted sandpiperCalidris subruficollisGobadán broinn-donnbhuíA
Pectoral sandpiperCalidris melanotosGobadán uchtachA
Semipalmated sandpiperCalidris pusillaGobadán mionbhosachA
Western sandpiperCalidris mauriGobadán iartharachA R
Long-billed dowitcherLimnodromus scolopaceusGuilbnín gobfhadaA
Short-billed dowitcherLimnodromus griseusGuilbnín gobghearrA R
Eurasian woodcockScolopax rusticolaCreabharA
Jack snipeLymnocryptes minimusNaoscach bhídeachA
Great snipeGallinago mediaNaoscach mórA R
Common snipeGallinago gallinagoNaoscachA
Wilson's snipeGallinago delicataNaoscach macliamA R
Terek sandpiperXenus cinereusBodairlín lusrachánA R
Wilson's phalaropePhalaropus tricolorFalaróp macliamA
Red-necked phalaropePhalaropus lobatusFalaróp gobchaolA
Red phalaropePhalaropus fulicariusFalaróp ruaA
Common sandpiperActitis hypoleucosGobadán coiteannA
Spotted sandpiperActitis maculariaGobadán breacA R
Green sandpiperTringa ochropusGobadán glasA
Solitary sandpiperTringa solitariaGobadán aonarachA R
Lesser yellowlegsTringa flavipesMionladhrán buíA
Common redshankTringa totanusCosdeargánA
Marsh sandpiperTringa stagnatilisGobadán corraighA R
Wood sandpiperTringa glareolaGobadán coilleA
Spotted redshankTringa erythropusCosdeargán breacA
Common greenshankTringa nebulariaLadhrán glasA
Greater yellowlegsTringa melanoleucaLadhrán buíA 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 courserCursorius cursorRásaí bánbhuíA R
Collared pratincoleGlareola pratincolaPratancól muinceachA R
Black-winged pratincoleGlareola nordmanniPratancól dubheiteachA R

Gulls, terns, 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 kittiwakeRissa tridactylaSaidhbhéarA
Ivory gullPagophila eburneaFaoileán eabharthaA R
Sabine's gullXema sabiniSléibhín SabineA
Bonaparte's gullChroicocephalus philadelphiaSléibhín BonaparteA
Black-headed gullChroicocephalus ridibundusSléibhínA
Little gullHydrocoloeus minutusSléibhín beagA
Ross's gullRhodostethia roseaFaoileán RossA
Laughing gullLeucophaeus atricillaSléibhín an gháireA
Franklin's gullLeucophaeus pipixcanSléibhín FranklinA R
Mediterranean gullIchthyaetus melanocephalusSléibhín meánmhuiríA
Common gullLarus canusFaoileán bánA
Ring-billed gullLarus delawarensisFaoileán bandghobachA
Great black-backed gullLarus marinusDroimneach mórA
Glaucous-winged gullLarus glaucescensFaoileán glasA
Glaucous gullLarus hyperboreusFaoileán glasA
Iceland gullLarus glaucoidesFaoileán ÍoslannachA
European herring gullLarus argentatusFaoileán scadánA
American herring gullLarus smithsonianusA
Vega gullLarus vegaeA
Caspian gullLarus cachinnansFaoileán gáiriteachA R
Yellow-legged gullLarus michahellisFaoileán scadán cosbhuíA
Slaty-backed gullLarus schistisagusA R
Lesser black-backed gullLarus fuscusDroimneach beagA
Gull-billed ternGelochelidon niloticaGeabhróg ghobdhubhA R
Caspian ternHydroprogne caspiaGeabhróg ChaispeachA R
Royal ternThalasseus maximusGeabhróg ríogaA R
Lesser crested ternThalasseus bengalensisMiongheabhróg chíorachA R
West African crested ternThalasseus albididorsalisA R
Sandwich ternThalasseus sandvicensisGeabhróg scothdhubhA
Elegant ternThalasseus elegansGeabhróg ghalántaA R
Little ternSternula albifronsGeabhróg bheagA
Sooty ternOnychoprion fuscatusGeabhróg shúicheachA R
Roseate ternSterna dougalliiGeabhróg rosachA
Common ternSterna hirundoGeabhrógA
Arctic ternSterna paradisaeaGeabhróg ArtachA
Forster's ternSterna forsteriGeabhróg ForsterA
Whiskered ternChlidonias hybridusGeabhróg bhroinndubhA
White-winged ternChlidonias leucopterusGeabhróg bháneiteachA
Black ternChlidonias nigerGeabhróg dhubhA

Skuas

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 skuaStercorarius skuaMeirleach mórA
Pomarine jaegerStercorarius pomarinusMeirleach pomairíneachA
Parasitic jaegerStercorarius parasiticusMeirleach ArtachA
Long-tailed jaegerStercorarius longicaudusMeirleach earrfhadaA

Auks

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 aukAlle alleForacha bheagA
Thick-billed murreUria lomviaForacha brünnichA R
Common murreUria aalgeForachaA
RazorbillAlca tordaCrosánA
Great aukPinguinus impennisForacha mhórB (extinct)
Black guillemotCepphus grylleForacha dhubhA
Atlantic puffinFratercula arcticaPuifínA

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 loonGavia stellataLóma ruaA
Black-throated loonGavia arcticaLóma ArtachA
Pacific loonGavia pacificaA R
Common loonGavia immerLóma mórA
Yellow-billed loonGavia adamsiiLóma gobghealA 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 petrelOceanites oceanicusGuairdeall WilsonA

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 albatrossThalassarche melanophrisAlbatras dú-mhalachA R

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 petrelHydrobates pelagicusGuairdeallA
Band-rumped storm petrel / Monteiro's storm petrel / Cape Verde storm petrelHydrobates castro / Hydrobates monteiroi / Hydrobates jabejabeB R (see note)[notes 1]
Swinhoe's storm petrelHydrobates monorhisA R
Leach's storm petrelHydrobates leucorhousGuairdeall gabhlachA

Petrels, shearwaters, diving 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
Southern giant petrelMacronectes giganteusA
Northern fulmarFulmarus glacialisFulmaireA
Zino's petrelPterodroma madeiraA
Fea's petrelPterodroma feaeA
Bermuda petrelPterodroma cahowA
White-chinned petrelProcellaria aequinoctialisA
Scopoli's shearwaterCalonectris diomedeaA
Cory's shearwaterCalonectris borealisCánóg CoryA
Sooty shearwaterArdenna griseusCánóg dhorcha
Short-tailed shearwaterArdenna tenuirostrisA
Great shearwaterArdenna gravisCánóg mhór
Manx shearwaterPuffinus puffinusCánóg dhubh
Yelkouan shearwaterPuffinus yelkouanA
Balearic shearwaterPuffinus mauretanicus
Barolo shearwaterPuffinus baroliCánóg BaroloA R
Bulwer's petrelBulweria bulweriiPeadairín BulwerA 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 storkCiconia nigraStorc dubhA R
White storkCiconia ciconiaStorc bánA

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 speciesFregata sp.Speiceas frigéidA 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 gannetMorus bassanusGaineadA
Brown boobySula leucogasterA

Cormorants, 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 cormorantPhalacrocorax carboBroigheallA
European shagGulosus aristotelisSeagaA
Double-crested cormorantNannopterum auritumBroigheall cluasachA R

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 ibisPlegadis falcinellusÍbis niamhrachA
Eurasian spoonbillPlatalea leucorodiaCorr leitheadach EoráiseachA

Herons, 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
Eurasian bitternBotaurus stellarisBonnánA
American bitternBotaurus lentiginosusBonnán MeiriceánachA R
Little bitternIxobrychus minutusBonnán beagA
Black-crowned night heronNycticorax nycticoraxCorr oícheA
Green heronButorides virescensCorr ghormghlasA R
Squacco heronArdeola ralloidesCorr scréachachA
Western cattle egretBubulcus ibisÉigrit eallaighA
Grey heronArdea cinereaCorr réiscA
Purple heronArdea purpureaCorr chorcraA
Great egretArdea albaÉigrit mhórA
Little blue heronEgretta caeruleaÉigrit ghormA R
Little egretEgretta garzettaÉigrit bheagA

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
OspreyPandion haliaetusCoirneachA

Kites, hawks, eagles

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 buzzardPernis apivorusClamhán mílA R
Griffon vultureGyps fulvusBultúr gríofaB R
Greater spotted eagleClanga clangaIolar breac mórB R
Golden eagleAquila chrysaetosIolar firéanA R
Eurasian sparrowhawkAccipiter nisusSpiorógA
Eurasian goshawkAccipiter gentilisSpioróg mhórA R
Western marsh harrierCircus aeruginosusCromán mónaA
Hen harrierCircus cyaneusCromán na gcearcA
Northern harrierCircus hudsoniusA R
Pallid harrierCircus macrourusCromán bánlíochA R
Montagu's harrierCircus pygargusCromán liathA
Red kiteMilvus milvusCúr ruaA
Black kiteMilvus migransCúr dubhA R
White-tailed eagleHaliaeetus albicillaIolar maraA R
Bald eagleHaliaeetus leucocephalusIolar mhaolA R
Rough-legged buzzardButeo lagopusClamhán lópachA R
Common buzzardButeo buteoClamhánA

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 owlTyto albaScréachóg reiligeA

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 owlOtus scopsUlchabhán scopach EoráiseachA R
Snowy owlBubo scandiacusUlchabhán sneachtúilA
Little owlAthene noctuaUlchabhán beagA R
Long-eared owlAsio otusCeann caitA
Short-eared owlAsio flammeusUlchabhán réiscA

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 hoopoeUpupa epopsHúpúA

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 rollerCoracias garrulusRollóir EorpachA R

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 kingfisherAlcedo atthisCruidínA
Belted kingfisherMegaceryle alcyonCruidín creasaA 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-eaterMerops apiasterBeachadóir EorpachA

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.[8]

Common name Binomial Irish name Status
Eurasian wryneckJynx torquillaCam-mhuinA
Yellow-bellied sapsuckerSphyrapicus variusSúdhiúlaí tarrbhuíA R
Great spotted woodpeckerDendrocopos majorMórchnagaire breacA
Eurasian green woodpeckerPicus viridisCnagaire glasB R

Caracaras, falcons

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 kestrelFalco naumanniMionphocaire gaoitheB R
Common kestrelFalco tinnunculusPocaire gaoitheA
Red-footed falconFalco vespertinusFabhcún cosdeargA
MerlinFalco columbariusMeirliúnA
Eurasian hobbyFalco subbuteoFabhcún coilleA
GyrfalconFalco rusticolusFabhcún mórA R
Peregrine falconFalco peregrinusFabhcún gormA

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 kingbirdTyrannus tyrannusA R

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
Brown shrikeLanius cristatusScréachán donnA R
Red-backed shrikeLanius collurioScréachán droimruaA
Isabelline shrikeLanius isabellinusScréachán isibéalachA R
Lesser grey shrikeLanius minorMionscréachán liathA R
Great grey shrikeLanius excubitorMórscréachán liathA R
Woodchat shrikeLanius senatorScréachán coilleA

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 vireoVireo philadelphicusGlaséan PhiladelphiaA R
Red-eyed vireoVireo olivaceusGlaséan súildeargA 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 orioleOriolus oriolusÓiréal órgaA

Crows, jays

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 jayGarrulus glandariusScréachóg / scéachóg choilleA
Eurasian magpiePica picaSnag breacA
Red-billed choughPyrrhocorax pyrrhocoraxCág cosdeargA
Eurasian jackdawCorvus monedulaCágA
RookCorvus frugilegusRúcachA
Carrion crowCorvus coroneCaróg dhubhA
Hooded crowCorvus cornixCaróg liathA
Northern ravenCorvus coraxFiach dubhA

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 waxwingBombycilla garrulusSíodeiteachA
Cedar waxwingBombycilla cedrorumA R

Tits, chickadees

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 titPeriparus aterMeantán dubhA
Marsh titPoecile palustrisMeantán lathaíA R
Eurasian blue titCyanistes caeruleusMeantán gormA
Great titParus majorMeantán mórA

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 titRemiz pendulinusA

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 reedlingPanurus biarmicusMeantán croiméalachA

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
Wood larkLullula arboreaFuiseog choilleA R
Eurasian skylarkAlauda arvensisFuiseogA
Horned larkEremophila alpestrisFuiseog adharcachA
Greater short-toed larkCalandrella brachydactylaFuiseog ladharghearrA

Swallows, martins

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 martinRiparia ripariaGabhlán gainimhA
Barn swallowHirundo rusticaFáinleogA
Common house martinDelichon urbicumGabhlán binneA
Red-rumped swallowCecropis dauricaFáinleog ruaphrompachA
American cliff swallowPetrochelidon pyrrhonotaFáinleog aille MheiriceánachA 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 warblerCettia cettiCeolaire CettiA R

Bushtits

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 titAegithalos caudatusMeantán earrfhadaA

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 warblerPhylloscopus sibilatrixCeolaire coilleA
Western Bonelli's warblerPhylloscopus bonelliCeolaire BonelliA R
Hume's leaf warblerPhylloscopus humeiCeolaire HumeA R
Yellow-browed warblerPhylloscopus inornatusCeolaire buímhalachA
Pallas's leaf warblerPhylloscopus proregulusCeolaire PallasA
Radde's warblerPhylloscopus schwarziCeolaire RaddeA R
Dusky warblerPhylloscopus fuscatusCeolaire breacdhorchaA R
Willow warblerPhylloscopus trochilusCeolaire sailíA
Common chiffchaffPhylloscopus collybitaTiuf-teafA
Iberian chiffchaffPhylloscopus ibericusTiuf-teaf IbéarachA R
Greenish warblerPhylloscopus trochiloidesCeolaire scothghlasA
Arctic warblerPhylloscopus borealisCeolaire ArtachA 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 warblerAcrocephalus arundinaceusCeolaire giolcaí mórA R
Aquatic warblerAcrocephalus paludicolaCeolaire uisceA R
Sedge warblerAcrocephalus schoenobaenusCeolaire cíbeA
Paddyfield warblerAcrocephalus agricolaCeolaire gort ríseA R
Blyth's reed warblerAcrocephalus dumetorumCeolaire BlythA R
Eurasian reed warblerAcrocephalus scirpaceusCeolaire giolcaíA
Marsh warblerAcrocephalus palustrisCeolaire corraighA R
Booted warblerIduna caligataCeolaire cuaráinA R
Sykes's warblerIduna ramaCeolaire SykeA R
Eastern olivaceous warblerIduna pallidaCeolaire bánlíochA R
Melodious warblerHippolais polyglottaCeolaire binnA
Icterine warblerHippolais icterinaCeolaire ictireachA

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 warblerHelopsaltes certhiolaCeolaire casarnaí PallasA R
Savi's warblerLocustella luscinioidesCeolaire SaviA R
Common grasshopper warblerLocustella naeviaCeolaire casarnaíA

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 cisticolaCisticola juncidisCeolaire feanearrachA R

Sylviid babblers

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 blackcapSylvia atricapillaCaipín dubhA
Garden warblerSylvia borinCeolaire garraíA
Barred warblerCurruca nisoriaCeolaire barrachA
Lesser whitethroatCurruca currucaGilphíb bheagA
Sardinian warblerCurruca melanocephalaCeolaire SairdíneachA R
Western subalpine warblerCurruca iberiaeA
Eastern subalpine warblerCurruca cantillansCeolaire fo-AlpachA
Common whitethroatCurruca communisGilbhíb mórA
Dartford warblerCurruca undataCeolaire fraoighA R

Goldcrests, 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
Common firecrestRegulus ignicapillusLasairchíorA
GoldcrestRegulus regulusCíorbhuíA
Ruby-crowned kingletCorthylio calendulaA R

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 wrenTroglodytes troglodytesDreolínA

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 treecreeperCerthia familiarisSnag coiteannA

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 catbirdDumetella carolinensisCatéan liathA R

Starlings, rhabdornis

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 starlingPastor roseusDruid rósachA
European starlingSturnus vulgarisDruidA

Thrushes

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 thrushGeokichla sibiricaSmólach SibéarachA R
White's thrushZoothera aureaSmólach WhiteA R
VeeryCatharus fuscescensA
Grey-cheeked thrushCatharus minimusSmólach glasleicneachA R
Swainson's thrushCatharus ustulatusSmólach SwainsonA R
Hermit thrushCatharus guttatusSmólach ceallaighA R
Ring ouzelTurdus torquatusLon creigeA
Eurasian blackbirdTurdus merulaLon dubhA
FieldfareTurdus pilarisSacánA
RedwingTurdus iliacusDeargán sneachtaA
Song thrushTurdus philomelosSmólach ceoilA
Mistle thrushTurdus viscivorusSmólach mórA
American robinTurdus migratoriusSpideogA R

Chats, 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
Rufous-tailed scrub robinCercotrichas galactotesTorspideog ruadhonnA R
Spotted flycatcherMuscicapa striataCuilire liathA
European robinErithacus rubeculaSpideogA
BluethroatLuscinia svecicaGormphíbA
Thrush nightingaleLuscinia lusciniaFiliméala smólaighA R
Common nightingaleLuscinia megarhynchosFiliméalaA
Red-flanked bluetailTarsiger cyanurusAn t-earrghorm rua-chliathánachA R
Taiga flycatcherFicedula albicillaA
Red-breasted flycatcherFicedula parvaCuilire broinnruaA
European pied flycatcherFicedula hypoleucaCuilire alabhreacA
Collared flycatcherFicedula albicollisA R
Black redstartPhoenicurus ochrurosEarrdheargán dubhA
Common redstartPhoenicurus phoenicurusEarrdheargánA
Common rock thrushMonticola saxatilisSmólach ailleA R
WhinchatSaxicola rubetraCaislín aitinnA
European stonechatSaxicola rubicolaCaislín clochA
Siberian stonechatSaxicola maurusA R
Northern wheatearOenanthe oenantheClochránA
Isabelline wheatearOenanthe isabellinaClochrán gainimhA R
Desert wheatearOenanthe desertiClochrán fásaighA R
Western black-eared wheatearOenanthe hispanicaClochrán cluasdubhA R
Pied wheatearOenanthe pleschankaClochrán alabhreacA
Black wheatear / White-crowned wheatearOenanthe leucura / Oenanthe leucopygaClochrán dubh / -A R

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 dipperCinclus cinclusGabha dubhA

Old World sparrows, snowfinches

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 sparrowPasser domesticusGealbhan binneA
Eurasian tree sparrowPasser montanusGealbhan crainnA

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
DunnockPrunella modularisDonnógA

Wagtails, pipits

Pied wagtail, a common and widespread resident.
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:[9]

  • 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 wagtailMotacilla flavaGlasóg bhuí iartharachA
Eastern yellow wagtailMotacilla tschutschensisGlasóg bhuí oirthearachA
Citrine wagtailMotacilla citreolaGlasóg chiotrónachA
Grey wagtailMotacilla cinereaGlasóg liathA
White wagtailMotacilla albaGlasóg shráide / glasóg bhánA
Richard's pipitAnthus richardiRiabhóg RichardA
Tawny pipitAnthus campestrisRiabhóg dhonnA
Meadow pipitAnthus pratensisRiabhóg mhónaA
Tree pipitAnthus trivialisRiabhóg choilleA
Olive-backed pipitAnthus hodgsoniRiabhóg dhroimghlasA R
Pechora pipitAnthus gustaviRiabhóg PechoraA R
Red-throated pipitAnthus cervinusRiabhóg phíbruaA
Buff-bellied pipitAnthus rubescensRiabhóg MheiriceánachA R
Water pipitAnthus spinolettaRiabhóg uisceA
European rock pipitAnthus petrosusRiabhóg chladaighA

Finches, euphonias

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 chaffinchFringilla coelebsRí ruaA
BramblingFringilla montifringillaBreacánA
HawfinchCoccothraustes coccothraustesGlasán gobmhórA
Eurasian bullfinchPyrrhula pyrrhulaCorcrán coilleA
Common rosefinchCarpodacus erythrinusRósghlasán coiteannA
European greenfinchChloris chlorisGlasán darachA
TwiteLinaria flavirostrisGleoiseach sléibheA
Common linnetLinaria cannabinaGleoiseachA
Common redpollAcanthis flammeaDeargéadanA
Lesser redpollAcanthis cabaretDeargéadan beagA
Arctic redpollAcanthis hornemanniDeargéadan ArtachA R
Red crossbillLoxia curvirostraCrosghob ruaA
Two-barred crossbillLoxia leucopteraCrosghob báneiteachA R
European goldfinchCarduelis carduelisLasair choilleA
European serinSerinus serinusSeirínA R
Eurasian siskinSpinus spinusSiscínA

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 longspurCalcarius lapponicusGealóg LaplannachA
Snow buntingPlectrophenax nivalisGealóg shneachtaA

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 buntingEmberiza melanocephalaGealóg cheanndubhA R
Corn buntingEmberiza calandraGealóg bhuachairA
YellowhammerEmberiza citrinellaBuíógA
Pine buntingEmberiza leucocephalosGealóg phéineA R
Ortolan buntingEmberiza hortulanaGealóg gharraíA
Cirl buntingEmberiza cirlusCirlghealógA R
Little buntingEmberiza pusillaGealóg bheagA
Rustic buntingEmberiza rusticaGealóg thuathúilA
Yellow-breasted buntingEmberiza aureolaGealóg bhroinnbhuíA R
Common reed buntingEmberiza schoeniclusGealóg ghiolcaíA

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 sparrowPasserella iliacaGealbhan sionnaighA R
Dark-eyed juncoJunco hyemalisLuachairín shúildubhA R
White-crowned sparrowZonotrichia leucophrysGealbhan bánchorónachA R
White-throated sparrowZonotrichia albicollisGealbhan píbghealA 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
BobolinkDolichonyx oryzivorusBobóilincA R
Baltimore orioleIcterus galbulaÓiréal tuaisceartachA R

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
OvenbirdSeiurus aurocapillaÉan oighinnA R
Northern waterthrushParkesia noveboracensisSmólach uisce tuaisceartachA R
Blue-winged warblerVermivora cyanopteraCeolaire gormeiteachA R
Black-and-white warblerMniotilta variaCeolaire dubh is bánA R
Common yellowthroatGeothlypis trichasBuíphíb choiteannA R
American redstartSetophaga ruticillaEarrdheargán MeiriceánachA R
Northern parulaSetophaga americanaParúl tuaisceartachA R
American yellow warblerSetophaga aestivaCeolaire buí MeiriceánachA R
Blackpoll warblerSetophaga striataCeolaire dubhéadanachA R
Myrtle warblerSetophaga coronataCeolaire buíphrompachA R
Canada warblerCardellina canadensisCeolaire CeanadachA R
Wilson's warblerCardellina pusillaCeolaire WilsonA 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 tanagerPiranga olivaceaTanagair scarlóideachA R
Rose-breasted grosbeakPheucticus ludovicianusGobach mór broinnrósachA R
Indigo buntingPasserina cyaneaGealóg phlúiríneachA R

Notes

  1. "Following the split of Madeiran Storm-petrel as three species, the Irish record at Blackrock Lighthouse, Mayo in October 1931, is currently under review by the IRBC."

References

  1. "Irish List covering the whole of Ireland on 31st Dec 2019" (PDF). Irish Rare Birds Committee. 31 December 2019. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
  2. Gill, F.; Donsker, D.; Rasmussen, P. (July 2021). "IOC World Bird List (v 11.2)". Retrieved 14 July 2021.
  3. "The National Terminology Database for Irish". téarma.ie.
  4. "Mallard". téarma.ie. The National Terminology Database for Irish.
  5. "Common Nighthawk". téarma.ie. The National Terminology Database for Irish.
  6. "Otis tarda". téarma.ie. The National Terminology Database for Irish. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
  7. "Tetrax tetrax". téarma.ie. The National Terminology Database for Irish. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
  8. "Have you heard Ireland's drumming woodpeckers?". RTÉ. 3 April 2018. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
  9. "White Wagtail". Birds of the World. The Cornell Lab or Ornithology. doi:10.2173/bow.whiwag.01. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
  • 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

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