Birds of Ireland

Over 500 birds live in Ireland. They live in the various habitats of the country, including broadleaf forests, peat bogs, and open woodlands. However, only 10% of the nation is covered in forests, which are shrinking yearly due to increased agriculture.

The Northern Lapwing is the national bird of Ireland. Some other notable species include the Common Kestrel, the European Goldfinch, and the Barn Swallow.

Birds of Ireland

List of Common Birds Found in Ireland

Birds of Prey

  • Common Buzzard
  • Common Kestrel
  • Eurasian Sparrowhawk
  • Golden Eagle
  • Peregrine Falcon
  • Red Kite
  • Short-eared Owl
  • White-tailed Eagle

Garden Birds

  • Blue Tit
  • Coal Tit
  • Common Blackbird
  • Common Chaffinch
  • European Goldfinch
  • European Greenfinch
  • European Robin
  • Great Tit

Migratory Birds

  • Barn Swallow
  • Common Swift
  • Eurasian Blackcap
  • Goldcrest
  • House Martin
  • Sand Martin
  • Willow Warbler

Coastal Birds

Nocturnal Birds

Winter Birds

  • Eurasian Siskin
  • Fieldfare
  • Northern Lapwing
  • Redwing
  • Snow Bunting

Irish Birds by Size

Largest Birds

By LengthBy WeightBy Wingspan
1. Mute Swan (55-67 in)1. Mute Swan (18-26 lbs)1. Mute Swan (6.6-7.8 ft)
2. Golden Eagle (26-37 in)2. White-tailed Eagle (8-14 lbs)2. White-tailed Eagle (5-8 ft)
3. White-tailed Eagle (26-40 in)3. Golden Eagle (5.5-11 lbs)3. Golden Eagle (5-7.8 ft)

Smallest Birds 

By LengthBy WeightBy Wingspan
1. Goldcrest (3.3–3.7 in)1. Goldcrest (0.16–0.25 oz)1. Goldcrest (5.3–6.1 in)
2. Eurasian Wren (3.5-3.9 in)2. Eurasian Wren (0.3-0.35 oz)2. Eurasian Wren (5.1–6.7 in)
3. Eurasian Treecreeper (4.5-4.9 in)3. Eurasian Treecreeper (0.25–0.46 oz)3. Eurasian Treecreeper (7-8 inches)

Common Irish Birds by Color

Blue Birds

  • Azure-winged Magpie
  • Blue Tit
  • Common Kingfisher

Green Birds

  • Common Wood Pigeon
  • European Goldfinch
  • European Greenfinch

Red Birds

  • European Robin
  • Fieldfare

Yellow Birds

  • Eurasian Blackcap
  • Goldcrest
  • Lesser Celandine

White Birds

  • Barn Owl
  • Mute Swan
  • Snow Bunting
  • White Wagtail

Black Birds

  • Common Buzzard
  • Common Raven
  • Eurasian Jackdaw

Brown Birds

  • Common Chaffinch
  • Common Kestrel
  • Eurasian Wren

Some of Ireland’s best places to go birding include Slieve League, Glenveagh National Park, and Wexford Wildfowl Reserve. The peak season for birding in Ireland is during the spring and autumn migrations. During these times, various birds travel between their breeding and wintering grounds.

FAQs

1. Are there any endangered birds in Ireland?

Several birds in Ireland are at risk of extinction, including the Corn Crake, the Little Bunting, and the Red-necked Phalarope.

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