List of birds of Ireland explained

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 IRBC. 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

Order: AnseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Branta bernicla	Irish: Cadhan	A
	Branta ruficollis	Irish: Gé broinnrua	A R
	Branta canadensis	Irish: Gé cheanadach	A R
	Branta leucopsis	Irish: Gé ghiúrainn / Irish: cadhan	A
	Branta hutchinsii	Irish: Brioscarnach-ghé	A R
	Anser caerulescens	Irish: Gé shneachta	A
	Anser anser	Irish: Crann-ghé / Irish: gé mhór fhionn / Irish: gé ghlas	A
	Anser fabalis	Irish: Síolghé taigaí	A
	Anser brachyrhynchus	Irish: Gé ghobghearr	A
	Anser serrirostris	Irish: Síolghé tundraí	A R
	Anser albifrons	Irish: Gé bhánéadanach mhór	A
	Anser erythropus	Irish: Mionghé bhánéadanach / Irish: gé bheag fhionn	A R
	Cygnus olor	Irish: Eala bhalbh	A
	Cygnus columbianus	Irish: Eala thundra	A R
	Cygnus cygnus	Irish: Eala ghlórach	A
	Tadorna tadorna	Irish: Seil-lacha	A
	Tadorna ferruginea	Irish: Seil-lacha rua / Irish: garg ruadh	B
	Aix galericulata	Irish: Lacha mhandarin	C
	Sibirionetta formosa	Irish: Praslacha bhaicalach	A R
	Spatula querquedula	Irish: Praslacha shamraidh	A
	Spatula discors	Irish: Praslacha ghormeiteach	A
	Spatula clypeata	Irish: Slapaire tuaisceartach	A
	Mareca strepera	Irish: Gadual	A
	Mareca penelope	Irish: Rualacha	A
	Mareca americana	Irish: Rualacha mhericeánach	A
	Anas platyrhynchos	Irish: Mallard^[4]	A
	Anas rubripes	Irish: Lacha chosrua	A R
	Anas acuta	Irish: Biorearrach tuaisceartach	A
	Anas crecca	Irish: Praslacha ghlaseiteach	A
	Anas carolinensis		A
	Netta rufina	Irish: Póiseard cíordhearg	A
	Aythya americana	Irish: Ceanndearg	A R
	Aythya ferina	Irish: Póiseard cíordhearg / Irish: lacha mhásach	A
	Aythya nyroca	Irish: Póiseard ferruginous	A R
	Aythya collaris	Irish: Lacha mhuinceach	A
	Aythya fuligula	Irish: Lacha bhadánach	A
	Aythya marila	Irish: Lacha iascán mór	A
	Aythya affinis	Irish: Mionlacha iascán	A R
	Somateria spectabilis	Irish: Éadar taibhseach / Irish: rígh éadar	A
	Somateria mollissima	Irish: Éadar	A
	Melanitta perspicillata	Irish: Scótar toinne	A
	Melanitta fusca	Irish: Sceadach	A
	Melanitta deglandi	Irish: Scótarach bháneiteach	A R
	Melanitta nigra	Irish: Scótar / Irish: lacha scótarach	A
	Melanitta americana	Irish: Scótar dubh	A R
	Clangula hyemalis	Irish: Lacha earrfhada	A
	Bucephala albeola	Irish: Órshúileach ceannsceadach	A R
	Bucephala clangula	Irish: Órshúileach	A
	Bucephala islandica	Irish: Órshúileach bhearú	A R
	Mergellus albellus	Irish: Síolta gheal	A
	Lophodytes cucullatus	Irish: Síolta chochaill	A R
	Mergus merganser	Irish: Síolta / Irish: tumaire	A
	Mergus serrator	Irish: Síolta rua	A
	Oxyura jamaicensis	Irish: Lachra rua	C

Pheasants and allies

Order: GalliformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Tetrao urogallus	Irish: Capall coille	B
	Lagopus lagopus	Irish: Tarmachan	A
	Perdix perdix	Irish: Cearc coille	A
	Coturnix coturnix	Irish: Gearg / Irish: gearraghuirt	A
	Phasianus colchicus	Irish: Feasán mhuinceach	C

Nightjars

Order: CaprimulgiformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Caprimulgus europaeus	Irish: Tuirne lín	A
	Chordeiles minor	Irish: Tuirne lín Meiriceánach^[5]	A R

Swifts

Order: ApodiformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Hirundapus caudacutus	Irish: Gabhlán earrspíonach	A R
	Chaetura pelagica	Irish: Gabhlán simléir	A R
	Tachymarptis melba	Irish: Gabhlán alpach	A
	Apus apus	Irish: Gabhlán gaoithe	A
	Apus pallidus	Irish: Gabhlán bánlíoch	A R
	Apus affinis	Irish: Gabhlán beag	A R

Bustards

Order: OtidiformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Otis tarda	Irish: Bustard mór^[6]	B R
	Tetrax tetrax	Irish: Bustard beag^[7]	B R

Cuckoos

Order: CuculiformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Clamator glandarius	Irish: Mórchuach bhreac	A
	Coccyzus americanus	Irish: Cuach ghob-bhuí	A R
	Coccyzus erythropthalmus	Irish: Cuach bhobdhubh	B R
	Cuculus canorus	Irish: Cuach	A

Sandgrouse

Order: PterocliformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Syrrhaptes paradoxus	Irish: Gaineamhchearc	A R

Pigeons and doves

Order: ColumbiformesFamily: Columbidae

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

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Columba livia	Irish: Colm aille	A
	Columba oenas	Irish: Colm gorm	A
	Columba palumbus	Irish: Colm coille	A
	Streptopelia turtur	Irish: Fearán	A
	Streptopelia decaocto	Irish: Fearán baicdhubh	A
	Zenaida macroura	Irish: Fearán gubhach	A R

Rails, crakes and coots

Order: GruiformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Rallus aquaticus	Irish: Rálóg uisce / Irish: tradhna uisce	A
	Crex crex	Irish: Traonach	A
	Porzana carolina	Irish: Gearr sora	A R
	Porzana porzana	Irish: Gearr breac	A
	Gallinula chloropus	Irish: Cearc uisce / Irish: truisc / Irish: coileach fraoich	A
	Fulica atra	Irish: Cearc cheannann	A
	Fulica americana	Irish: Cearc mheiriceánach	A R
	Porphyrio alleni		A R
	Porphyrio martinica	Irish: Cearcóg	A R
	Zapornia pusilla	Irish: Gearr biorra	A R
	Zapornia parva	Irish: Gearr beag	B R

Cranes

Order: GruiformesFamily: 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".

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Antiogne canadensis	Irish: Corr ceanadach	B R
	Grus grus	Irish: Corr / Irish: grús	A

Grebes

Order: PodicipediformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Tachybaptus ruficollis	Irish: Spágaire tonn / Irish: tomaire beag	A
	Podilymbus podiceps	Irish: Foithíoch gob-alabhreac	A R
	Podiceps grisegena	Irish: Foitheach píbrua	A
	Podiceps cristatus	Irish: Foitheach mór / Irish: Lúnadán mór an chorraicín	A
	Podiceps auritus	Irish: Beann-foitheach	A
	Podiceps nigricollis	Irish: Foithíoch cluasach	A

Stone-curlews, thick-knees

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Burhinus oedicnemus	Irish: Glúinramhrach caoirliun	A R

Oystercatchers

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Haematopodidae

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

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Haematopus ostralegus	Irish: Roilleach / Irish: riabhán / Irish: scaladóir	A

Stilts, avocets

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Himantopus himantopus	Irish: Scodlach dubheiteach	A
	Recurvirostra avosetta	Irish: Abhóiséad breac	A

Plovers

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Vanellus vanellus	Irish: Saotharcán Tuaisceartach	A
	Vanellus gregarius	Irish: Saotharcóg / Irish: pilibín	A R
	Pluvialis apricaria	Irish: Feadóg bhuí / Irish: fideog	A
	Pluvialis dominica	Irish: Feadó bhuí mhericeánach	A
	Pluvialis fulva	Irish: Feadóg bhuí Áiseach	A R
	Pluvialis squatarola	Irish: Feadóg bolgdubh	A
	Charadrius hiaticula	Irish: Feadóg chladaigh / Irish: feadóg an fháinne / Irish: ladhrán	A
	Charadrius semipalmatus	Irish: Gobadáinín mionbhosach	A R
	Charadrius dubius	Irish: Feadóg an fháinne beag	A
	Charadrius vociferus	Irish: Feadóg ghlórach	A
	Charadrius alexandrinus	Irish: Feadóigín chosdubh	A R
	Charadrius mongolus	Irish: Feadóg mhara beag	A R
	Charadrius leschenaultii	Irish: Feadóg mhara mhór	A
	Charadrius morinellus	Irish: Amadán móinteach	A

Sandpipers, snipes

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Bartramia longicauda	Irish: Gobadán sléibhe	A R
	Numenius phaeopus	Irish: Crotach eanaigh	A
	Numenius borealis	Irish: Crotach Artach	B
	Numenius arquata	Irish: Crotach / Irish: cruiteach	A
	Limosa lapponica	Irish: Guibneach stríocearrach	A
	Limosa limosa	Irish: Guilbneach earrdubh	A
	Limosa haemastica	Irish: Guilbneach brionn dearg	A R
	Arenaria interpres	Irish: Piadálai trá ruadh	A
	Calidris tenuirostris	Irish: Cnota mór	A R
	Calidris canutus	Irish: Cnota rua	A
	Calidris pugnax	Irish: Rufachán	A
	Calidris falcinellus	Irish: Gobadán gobleathan	A
	Calidris acuminata	Irish: Gobadán earr-rinneach	A R
	Calidris himantopus	Irish: Gobadán scodlach	A R
	Calidris ferruginea	Irish: Gobadán crotaigh	A
	Calidris temminckii	Irish: Gobadáinín tomaltaig	A
	Calidris subminuta	Irish: Gobadáinín ladharfhada	A R
	Calidris ruficollis	Irish: Gobadán droimrua	A R
	Calidris alba	Irish: Luathrán	A
	Calidris alpina	Irish: Breacó	A
	Calidris maritima	Irish: Gobadan cosbhuí	A
	Calidris bairdii	Irish: Gobadán bárd	A
	Calidris minuta	Irish: Gobadáinín beag	A
	Calidris minutilla	Irish: Gobadáinín bídeach	A R
	Calidris fuscicollis	Irish: Gobadán bánphrompach / Irish: gobadán tónbháin	A
	Calidris subruficollis	Irish: Gobadán broinn-donnbhuí	A
	Calidris melanotos	Irish: Gobadán uchtach	A
	Calidris pusilla	Irish: Gobadán mionbhosach	A
	Calidris mauri	Irish: Gobadán iartharach	A R
	Limnodromus scolopaceus	Irish: Guilbnín gobfhada	A
	Limnodromus griseus	Irish: Guilbnín gobghearr	A R
	Scolopax rusticola	Irish: Creabhar	A
	Lymnocryptes minimus	Irish: Naoscach bhídeach	A
	Gallinago media	Irish: Naoscach mór	A R
	Gallinago gallinago	Irish: Naoscach	A
	Gallinago delicata	Irish: Naoscach macliam	A R
	Xenus cinereus	Irish: Bodairlín lusrachán	A R
	Phalaropus tricolor	Irish: Falaróp macliam	A
	Phalaropus lobatus	Irish: Falaróp gobchaol	A
	Phalaropus fulicarius	Irish: Falaróp rua	A
	Actitis hypoleucos	Irish: Gobadán coiteann	A
	Actitis macularia	Irish: Gobadán breac	A R
	Tringa ochropus	Irish: Gobadán glas	A
	Tringa solitaria	Irish: Gobadán aonarach	A R
	Tringa flavipes	Irish: Mionladhrán buí	A
	Tringa totanus	Irish: Cosdeargán	A
	Tringa stagnatilis	Irish: Gobadán corraigh	A R
	Tringa glareola	Irish: Gobadán coille	A
	Tringa erythropus	Irish: Cosdeargán breac	A
	Tringa nebularia	Irish: Ladhrán glas	A
	Tringa melanoleuca	Irish: Ladhrán buí	A R

Coursers, pratincoles

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Cursorius cursor	Irish: Rásaí bánbhuí	A R
	Glareola pratincola	Irish: Pratancól muinceach	A R
	Glareola nordmanni	Irish: Pratancól dubheiteach	A R

Gulls, terns, skimmers

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Rissa tridactyla	Irish: Saidhbhéar	A
	Pagophila eburnea	Irish: Faoileán eabhartha	A R
	Xema sabini	Irish: Sléibhín Sabine	A
	Chroicocephalus philadelphia	Irish: Sléibhín Bonaparte	A
	Chroicocephalus ridibundus	Irish: Sléibhín	A
	Hydrocoloeus minutus	Irish: Sléibhín beag	A
	Rhodostethia rosea	Irish: Faoileán Ross	A
	Leucophaeus atricilla	Irish: Sléibhín an gháire	A
	Leucophaeus pipixcan	Irish: Sléibhín Franklin	A R
	Ichthyaetus melanocephalus	Irish: Sléibhín meánmhuirí	A
	Larus canus	Irish: Faoileán bán	A
	Larus delawarensis	Irish: Faoileán bandghobach	A
	Larus marinus	Irish: Droimneach mór	A
	Larus glaucescens	Irish: Faoileán glas	A
	Larus hyperboreus	Irish: Faoileán glas	A
	Larus glaucoides	Irish: Faoileán Íoslannach	A
	Larus argentatus	Irish: Faoileán scadán	A
	Larus smithsonianus		A
	Larus vegae		A
	Larus cachinnans	Irish: Faoileán gáiriteach	A R
	Larus michahellis	Irish: Faoileán scadán cosbhuí	A
	Larus schistisagus		A R
	Larus fuscus	Droimneach beag	A
	Gelochelidon nilotica	Irish: Geabhróg ghobdhubh	A R
	Hydroprogne caspia	Irish: Geabhróg Chaispeach	A R
	Thalasseus maximus	Irish: Geabhróg ríoga	A R
	Thalasseus bengalensis	Irish: Miongheabhróg chíorach	A R
	Thalasseus albididorsalis		A R
	Thalasseus sandvicensis	Irish: Geabhróg scothdhubh	A
	Thalasseus elegans	Irish: Geabhróg ghalánta	A R
	Sternula albifrons	Irish: Geabhróg bheag	A
	Onychoprion fuscatus	Irish: Geabhróg shúicheach	A R
	Sterna dougallii	Irish: Geabhróg rosach	A
	Sterna hirundo	Irish: Geabhróg	A
	Sterna paradisaea	Irish: Geabhróg Artach	A
	Sterna forsteri	Irish: Geabhróg Forster	A
	Chlidonias hybridus	Irish: Geabhróg bhroinndubh	A
	Chlidonias leucopterus	Irish: Geabhróg bháneiteach	A
	Chlidonias niger	Irish: Geabhróg dhubh	A

Skuas

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Stercorarius skua	Irish: Meirleach mór	A
	Stercorarius pomarinus	Irish: Meirleach pomairíneach	A
	Stercorarius parasiticus	Irish: Meirleach Artach	A
	Stercorarius longicaudus	Irish: Meirleach earrfhada	A

Auks

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Alle alle	Irish: Foracha bheag	A
	Uria lomvia	Irish: Foracha brünnich	A R
	Uria aalge	Irish: Foracha	A
	Alca torda	Irish: Crosán	A
	Pinguinus impennis	Irish: Foracha mhór	B (extinct)
	Cepphus grylle	Irish: Foracha dhubh	A
	Fratercula arctica	Irish: Puifín	A

Loons

Order: GaviiformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Gavia stellata	Irish: Lóma rua	A
	Gavia arctica	Irish: Lóma Artach	A
	Gavia pacifica		A R
	Gavia immer	Irish: Lóma mór	A
	Gavia adamsii	Irish: Lóma gobgheal	A R

Austral storm petrels

Order: ProcellariiformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Oceanites oceanicus	Irish: Guairdeall Wilson	A

Albatrosses

Order: ProcellariiformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Thalassarche melanophris	Irish: Albatras dú-mhalach	A R

Northern storm petrels

Order: ProcellariiformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Hydrobates pelagicus	Irish: Guairdeall	A
	Hydrobates castro / Hydrobates monteiroi / Hydrobates jabejabe		B R (see note)^[8]
	Hydrobates monorhis		A R
	Hydrobates leucorhous	Irish: Guairdeall gabhlach	A

Petrels, shearwaters, diving petrels

Order: ProcellariiformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Macronectes giganteus		A
	Fulmarus glacialis	Irish: Fulmaire	A
	Pterodroma madeira		A
	Pterodroma feae		A
	Pterodroma cahow		A
	Procellaria aequinoctialis		A
	Calonectris diomedea		A
	Calonectris borealis	Irish: Cánóg Cory	A
	Ardenna griseus	Irish: Cánóg dhorcha
	Ardenna tenuirostris		A
	Ardenna gravis	Irish: Cánóg mhór
	Puffinus puffinus	Irish: Cánóg dhubh
	Puffinus yelkouan		A
	Puffinus mauretanicus
	Puffinus baroli	Irish: Cánóg Barolo	A R
	Bulweria bulwerii	Irish: Peadairín Bulwer	A R

Storks

Order: CiconiiformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Ciconia nigra	Irish: Storc dubh	A R
	Ciconia ciconia	Irish: Storc bán	A

Frigatebirds

Order: SuliformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
Frigatebird species	Fregata sp.	Irish: Speiceas frigéid	A R

Gannets, boobies

Order: SuliformesFamily: Sulidae

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

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Morus bassanus	Irish: Gainead	A
	Sula leucogaster		A

Cormorants, shags

Order: SuliformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Phalacrocorax carbo	Irish: Broigheall	A
	Gulosus aristotelis	Irish: Seaga	A
	Nannopterum auritum	Irish: Broigheall cluasach	A R

Ibises and spoonbills

Order: PelecaniformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Plegadis falcinellus	Irish: Íbis niamhrach	A
	Platalea leucorodia	Irish: Corr leitheadach Eoráiseach	A

Herons, bitterns

Order: PelecaniformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Botaurus stellaris	Irish: Bonnán	A
	Botaurus lentiginosus	Irish: Bonnán Meiriceánach	A R
	Ixobrychus minutus	Irish: Bonnán beag	A
	Nycticorax nycticorax	Irish: Corr oíche	A
	Butorides virescens	Irish: Corr ghormghlas	A R
	Ardeola ralloides	Irish: Corr scréachach	A
	Bubulcus ibis	Irish: Éigrit eallaigh	A
	Ardea cinerea	Irish: Corr réisc	A
	Ardea purpurea	Irish: Corr chorcra	A
	Ardea alba	Irish: Éigrit mhór	A
	Egretta caerulea	Irish: Éigrit ghorm	A R
	Egretta garzetta	Irish: Éigrit bheag	A

Osprey

Order: AccipitriformesFamily: Pandionidae

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

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Pandion haliaetus	Irish: Coirneach	A

Kites, hawks, eagles

Order: AccipitriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Pernis apivorus	Irish: Clamhán míl	A R
	Gyps fulvus	Irish: Bultúr gríofa	B R
	Clanga clanga	Irish: Iolar breac mór	B R
	Aquila chrysaetos	Irish: Iolar firéan	A R
	Accipiter nisus	Irish: Spioróg	A
	Accipiter gentilis	Irish: Spioróg mhór	A R
	Circus aeruginosus	Irish: Cromán móna	A
	Circus cyaneus	Irish: Cromán na gcearc	A
	Circus hudsonius		A R
	Circus macrourus	Irish: Cromán bánlíoch	A R
	Circus pygargus	Irish: Cromán liath	A
	Milvus milvus	Irish: Cúr rua	A
	Milvus migrans	Irish: Cúr dubh	A R
	Haliaeetus albicilla	Irish: Iolar mara	A R
	Haliaeetus leucocephalus	Irish: Iolar mhaol	A R
	Buteo lagopus	Irish: Clamhán lópach	A R
	Buteo buteo	Irish: Clamhán	A

Barn owls

Order: StrigiformesFamily: Tytonidae

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

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Tyto alba	Irish: Scréachóg reilige	A

Owls

Order: StrigiformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Otus scops	Irish: Ulchabhán scopach Eoráiseach	A R
	Bubo scandiacus	Irish: Ulchabhán sneachtúil	A
	Athene noctua	Irish: Ulchabhán beag	A R
	Asio otus	Irish: Ceann cait	A
	Asio flammeus	Irish: Ulchabhán réisc	A

Hoopoes

Order: BucerotiformesFamily: Upupidae

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

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Upupa epops	Irish: Húpú	A

Rollers

Order: CoraciiformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Coracias garrulus	Irish: Rollóir Eorpach	A R

Kingfishers

Order: CoraciiformesFamily: Alcedinidae

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

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Alcedo atthis	Irish: Cruidín	A
	Megaceryle alcyon	Irish: Cruidín creasa	A R

Bee-eaters

Order: CoraciiformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Merops apiaster	Irish: Beachadóir Eorpach	A

Woodpeckers

Order: PiciformesFamily: 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.^[9]

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Jynx torquilla	Irish: Cam-mhuin	A
	Sphyrapicus varius	Irish: Súdhiúlaí tarrbhuí	A R
	Dendrocopos major	Irish: Mórchnagaire breac	A
	Picus viridis	Irish: Cnagaire glas	B R

Caracaras, falcons

Order: FalconiformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Falco naumanni	Irish: Mionphocaire gaoithe	B R
	Falco tinnunculus	Irish: Pocaire gaoithe	A
	Falco vespertinus	Irish: Fabhcún cosdearg	A
	Falco columbarius	Irish: Meirliún	A
	Falco subbuteo	Irish: Fabhcún coille	A
	Falco rusticolus	Irish: Fabhcún mór	A R
	Falco peregrinus	Irish: Fabhcún gorm	A

Tyrant flycatchers, calyptura

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Tyrannus tyrannus		A R

Shrikes

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Lanius cristatus	Irish: Scréachán donn	A R
	Lanius collurio	Irish: Scréachán droimrua	A
	Lanius isabellinus	Irish: Scréachán isibéalach	A R
	Lanius minor	Irish: Mionscréachán liath	A R
	Lanius excubitor	Irish: Mórscréachán liath	A R
	Lanius senator	Irish: Scréachán coille	A

Vireos, greenlets, shrike-babblers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Vireo philadelphicus	Irish: Glaséan Philadelphia	A R
	Vireo olivaceus	Irish: Glaséan súildearg	A R

Figbirds, orioles, turnagra

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Oriolidae

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

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Oriolus oriolus	Irish: Óiréal órga	A

Crows, jays

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Garrulus glandarius	Irish: Scréachóg / Irish: scéachóg choille	A
	Pica pica	Irish: Snag breac	A
	Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax	Irish: Cág cosdearg	A
	Corvus monedula	Irish: Cág	A
	Corvus frugilegus	Irish: Rúcach	A
	Corvus corone	Irish: Caróg dhubh	A
	Corvus cornix	Irish: Caróg liath	A
	Corvus corax	Irish: Fiach dubh	A

Waxwings

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Bombycilla garrulus	Irish: Síodeiteach	A
	Bombycilla cedrorum		A R

Tits, chickadees

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Periparus ater	Irish: Meantán dubh	A
	Poecile palustris	Irish: Meantán lathaí	A R
	Cyanistes caeruleus	Irish: Meantán gorm	A
	Parus major	Irish: Meantán mór	A

Penduline tits

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Remizidae

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

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Remiz pendulinus		A

Bearded reedling

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Panuridae

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

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Panurus biarmicus	Irish: Meantán croiméalach	A

Larks

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Lullula arborea	Irish: Fuiseog choille	A R
	Alauda arvensis	Irish: Fuiseog	A
	Eremophila alpestris	Irish: Fuiseog adharcach	A
	Calandrella brachydactyla	Irish: Fuiseog ladharghearr	A

Swallows, martins

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Riparia riparia	Irish: Gabhlán gainimh	A
	Hirundo rustica	Irish: Fáinleog	A
	Delichon urbicum	Irish: Gabhlán binne	A
	Cecropis daurica	Irish: Fáinleog ruaphrompach	A
	Petrochelidon pyrrhonota	Irish: Fáinleog aille Mheiriceánach	A R

Streaked scrub warbler

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Scotocercidae

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

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Cettia cetti	Irish: Ceolaire Cetti	A R

Bushtits

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Aegithalos caudatus	Irish: Meantán earrfhada	A

Leaf warblers and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Phylloscopus sibilatrix	Irish: Ceolaire coille	A
	Phylloscopus bonelli	Irish: Ceolaire Bonelli	A R
	Phylloscopus humei	Irish: Ceolaire Hume	A R
	Phylloscopus inornatus	Irish: Ceolaire buímhalach	A
	Phylloscopus proregulus	Irish: Ceolaire Pallas	A
	Phylloscopus schwarzi	Irish: Ceolaire Radde	A R
	Phylloscopus fuscatus	Irish: Ceolaire breacdhorcha	A R
	Phylloscopus trochilus	Irish: Ceolaire sailí	A
	Phylloscopus collybita	Irish: Tiuf-teaf	A
	Phylloscopus ibericus	Irish: Tiuf-teaf Ibéarach	A R
	Phylloscopus trochiloides	Irish: Ceolaire scothghlas	A
	Phylloscopus borealis	Irish: Ceolaire Artach	A R

Reed warblers and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Acrocephalus arundinaceus	Irish: Ceolaire giolcaí mór	A R
	Acrocephalus paludicola	Irish: Ceolaire uisce	A R
	Acrocephalus schoenobaenus	Irish: Ceolaire cíbe	A
	Acrocephalus agricola	Irish: Ceolaire gort ríse	A R
	Acrocephalus dumetorum	Irish: Ceolaire Blyth	A R
	Acrocephalus scirpaceus	Irish: Ceolaire giolcaí	A
	Acrocephalus palustris	Irish: Ceolaire corraigh	A R
	Iduna caligata	Irish: Ceolaire cuaráin	A R
	Iduna rama	Irish: Ceolaire Syke	A R
	Iduna pallida	Irish: Ceolaire bánlíoch	A R
	Hippolais polyglotta	Irish: Ceolaire binn	A
	Hippolais icterina	Irish: Ceolaire ictireach	A

Grassbirds and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Helopsaltes certhiola	Irish: Ceolaire casarnaí Pallas	A R
	Locustella luscinioides	Irish: Ceolaire Savi	A R
	Locustella naevia	Irish: Ceolaire casarnaí	A

Cisticolas and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Cisticola juncidis	Irish: Ceolaire feanearrach	A R

Sylviid babblers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Sylvia atricapilla	Irish: Caipín dubh	A
	Sylvia borin	Irish: Ceolaire garraí	A
	Curruca nisoria	Irish: Ceolaire barrach	A
	Curruca curruca	Irish: Gilphíb bheag	A
	Curruca melanocephala	Irish: Ceolaire Sairdíneach	A R
	Curruca iberiae		A
	Curruca cantillans	Irish: Ceolaire fo-Alpach	A
	Curruca communis	Irish: Gilbhíb mór	A
	Curruca undata	Irish: Ceolaire fraoigh	A R

Goldcrests, kinglets

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Regulidae

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

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Regulus ignicapillus	Irish: Lasairchíor	A
	Regulus regulus	Irish: Cíorbhuí	A
	Corthylio calendula		A R

Wrens

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Troglodytes troglodytes	Irish: Dreolín	A

Treecreepers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Certhia familiaris	Irish: Snag coiteann	A

Mockingbirds, thrashers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Dumetella carolinensis	Irish: Catéan liath	A R

Starlings, rhabdornis

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Pastor roseus	Irish: Druid rósach	A
	Sturnus vulgaris	Irish: Druid	A

Thrushes

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Geokichla sibirica	Irish: Smólach Sibéarach	A R
	Zoothera aurea	Irish: Smólach White	A R
	Catharus fuscescens		A
	Catharus minimus	Irish: Smólach glasleicneach	A R
	Catharus ustulatus	Irish: Smólach Swainson	A R
	Catharus guttatus	Irish: Smólach ceallaigh	A R
	Turdus torquatus	Irish: Lon creige	A
	Turdus merula	Irish: Lon dubh	A
	Turdus pilaris	Irish: Sacán	A
	Turdus iliacus	Irish: Deargán sneachta	A
	Turdus philomelos	Irish: Smólach ceoil	A
	Turdus viscivorus	Irish: Smólach mór	A
	Turdus migratorius	Irish: Spideog	A R

Chats, Old World flycatchers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Cercotrichas galactotes	Irish: Torspideog ruadhonn	A R
	Muscicapa striata	Irish: Cuilire liath	A
	Erithacus rubecula	Irish: Spideog	A
	Luscinia svecica	Irish: Gormphíb	A
	Luscinia luscinia	Irish: Filiméala smólaigh	A R
	Luscinia megarhynchos	Irish: Filiméala	A
	Tarsiger cyanurus	Irish: An t-earrghorm rua-chliathánach	A R
	Ficedula albicilla		A
	Ficedula parva	Irish: Cuilire broinnrua	A
	Ficedula hypoleuca	Irish: Cuilire alabhreac	A
	Ficedula albicollis		A R
	Phoenicurus ochruros	Irish: Earrdheargán dubh	A
	Phoenicurus phoenicurus	Irish: Earrdheargán	A
	Monticola saxatilis	Irish: Smólach aille	A R
	Saxicola rubetra	Irish: Caislín aitinn	A
	Saxicola rubicola	Irish: Caislín cloch	A
	Saxicola maurus		A R
	Oenanthe oenanthe	Irish: Clochrán	A
	Oenanthe isabellina	Irish: Clochrán gainimh	A R
	Oenanthe deserti	Irish: Clochrán fásaigh	A R
	Oenanthe hispanica	Irish: Clochrán cluasdubh	A R
	Oenanthe pleschanka	Irish: Clochrán alabhreac	A
	Oenanthe leucura / Oenanthe leucopyga	Irish: Clochrán dubh / -	A R

Dippers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Cinclus cinclus	Irish: Gabha dubh	A

Old World sparrows, snowfinches

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Passer domesticus	Irish: Gealbhan binne	A
	Passer montanus	Irish: Gealbhan crainn	A

Accentors

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Prunella modularis	Donnóg	A

Wagtails, pipits

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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:^[10]

• Motacilla alba yarrelli, "pied wagtail", a common breeding resident.
• M. a. alba, nominate subspecies occurring as a migrant.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Motacilla flava	Irish: Glasóg bhuí iartharach	A
	Motacilla tschutschensis	Irish: Glasóg bhuí oirthearach	A
	Motacilla citreola	Irish: Glasóg chiotrónach	A
	Motacilla cinerea	Irish: Glasóg liath	A
	Motacilla alba	Irish: Glasóg shráide / Irish: glasóg bhán	A
	Anthus richardi	Irish: Riabhóg Richard	A
	Anthus campestris	Irish: Riabhóg dhonn	A
	Anthus pratensis	Irish: Riabhóg mhóna	A
	Anthus trivialis	Irish: Riabhóg choille	A
	Anthus hodgsoni	Irish: Riabhóg dhroimghlas	A R
	Anthus gustavi	Irish: Riabhóg Pechora	A R
	Anthus cervinus	Irish: Riabhóg phíbrua	A
	Anthus rubescens	Irish: Riabhóg Mheiriceánach	A R
	Anthus spinoletta	Irish: Riabhóg uisce	A
	Anthus petrosus	Irish: Riabhóg chladaigh	A

Finches, euphonias

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Fringilla coelebs	Irish: Rí rua	A
	Fringilla montifringilla	Irish: Breacán	A
	Coccothraustes coccothraustes	Irish: Glasán gobmhór	A
	Pyrrhula pyrrhula	Irish: Corcrán coille	A
	Carpodacus erythrinus	Irish: Rósghlasán coiteann	A
	Chloris chloris	Irish: Glasán darach	A
	Linaria flavirostris	Irish: Gleoiseach sléibhe	A
	Linaria cannabina	Irish: Gleoiseach	A
	Acanthis flammea	Irish: Deargéadan	A
	Acanthis cabaret	Irish: Deargéadan beag	A
	Acanthis hornemanni	Irish: Deargéadan Artach	A R
	Loxia curvirostra	Irish: Crosghob rua	A
	Loxia leucoptera	Irish: Crosghob báneiteach	A R
	Carduelis carduelis	Irish: Lasair choille	A
	Serinus serinus	Irish: Seirín	A R
	Spinus spinus	Irish: Siscín	A

Longspurs, snow buntings

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Calcarius lapponicus	Irish: Gealóg Laplannach	A
	Plectrophenax nivalis	Irish: Gealóg shneachta	A

Buntings

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Emberiza melanocephala	Irish: Gealóg cheanndubh	A R
	Emberiza calandra	Irish: Gealóg bhuachair	A
	Emberiza citrinella	Irish: Buíóg	A
	Emberiza leucocephalos	Irish: Gealóg phéine	A R
	Emberiza hortulana	Irish: Gealóg gharraí	A
	Emberiza cirlus	Irish: Cirlghealóg	A R
	Emberiza pusilla	Irish: Gealóg bheag	A
	Emberiza rustica	Irish: Gealóg thuathúil	A
	Emberiza aureola	Irish: Gealóg bhroinnbhuí	A R
	Emberiza schoeniclus	Irish: Gealóg ghiolcaí	A

New World sparrows

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Passerella iliaca	Irish: Gealbhan sionnaigh	A R
	Junco hyemalis	Irish: Luachairín shúildubh	A R
	Zonotrichia leucophrys	Irish: Gealbhan bánchorónach	A R
	Zonotrichia albicollis	Irish: Gealbhan píbgheal	A R

Oropendolas, orioles, blackbirds

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Dolichonyx oryzivorus	Irish: Bobóilinc	A R
	Icterus galbula	Irish: Óiréal tuaisceartach	A R

New World warblers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Seiurus aurocapilla	Irish: Éan oighinn	A R
	Parkesia noveboracensis	Irish: Smólach uisce tuaisceartach	A R
	Vermivora cyanoptera	Irish: Ceolaire gormeiteach	A R
	Mniotilta varia	Irish: Ceolaire dubh is bán	A R
	Geothlypis trichas	Irish: Buíphíb choiteann	A R
	Setophaga ruticilla	Irish: Earrdheargán Meiriceánach	A R
	Setophaga americana	Irish: Parúl tuaisceartach	A R
	Setophaga aestiva	Irish: Ceolaire buí Meiriceánach	A R
	Setophaga striata	Irish: Ceolaire dubhéadanach	A R
	Setophaga coronata	Irish: Ceolaire buíphrompach	A R
	Cardellina canadensis	Irish: Ceolaire Ceanadach	A R
	Cardellina pusilla	Irish: Ceolaire Wilson	A R

Cardinals and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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.

width=32%	Common name	width=32%	Binomial	width=32%	Irish name	width=4%	Status
	Piranga olivacea	Irish: Tanagair scarlóideach	A R
	Pheucticus ludovicianus	Irish: Gobach mór broinnrósach	A R
	Passerina cyanea	Irish: Gealóg phlúiríneach	A R

References

• 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

• List of birds
• Lists of birds by region

External links

• National Biodiversity Network http://data.nbn.org.uk/ Distribution Maps (Ongoing)
• Oiseaux Ireland page. Many photos. Not all species.
• Irish Birding Latest sightings.
• Irish Rare Birds Committee
• NIBWA Northern Ireland Bird watchers Association.
• NIOC Northern Ireland Ornithologists Club. Excellent photographs
• Bird Guides Irish list, county lists, latest sightings and photos.
• RSPB Royal Society for the Protection of Birds A-Z

Notes and References

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