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.

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

Arctic Tern
Atlantic Puffin
Common Gull
European Storm Petrel
Manx Shearwater
Razorbill

Nocturnal Birds

Winter Birds

Eurasian Siskin
Fieldfare
Northern Lapwing
Redwing
Snow Bunting

Irish Birds by Size

Largest Birds

By Length	By Weight	By 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 Length	By Weight	By 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.

Subscribe our newsletter

Enter your email here to stay updated with the animal kingdom