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Over 450 different bird species have been recorded in Ireland, representing a very impressive total for a European island and making it a very exciting and interesting country for birdwatching. 200 of these birds are regurally occurring species in Ireland.
The fact that Ireland has been an isolated Island for over 8,000 years means that several species, widespread in Britain and elsewhere in Europe, that do not move great distances are absent: examples include Tawny Owl, Willow Tit, Marsh Tit, Nuthatch and most woodpecker species. In addition, Ireland’s mild weather means resident birds have an advantage over visitors in terms of early breeding and choice of best habitats. Ireland has fewer habitat types than Britain and continental Europe, with fewer deciduous woodlands, Scots pine forests, heaths and high mountain ranges.
Ireland does have four species of bird which have adapted to their Irish habitats to such an extent that they have become significantly different from their British/European counterparts and are considered distinct endemic Irish races. These are the Coal Tit (Parus ater hibernicus), Dipper (Cinclus cinclus hibernicus), Jay (Garrulus glandarius hibernicus) and Red Grouse (Lagopus lagopus hibernicus).
Ireland, with fewer breeding species than our neighbours, does however hold important numbers of species which are in decline elsewhere. It is home to the largest breeding numbers of Storm Petrels in the world and holds very important breeding tern colonies. Of particular importance in this respect is the Irish breeding population of Roseate Tern, with very successful breeding colonies at Lady’s Island in Wexford and on Rockabill Island in Dublin, home to Europe’s largest colony of this beautiful species. Ireland also boasts one of the largest populations of Chough found in Europe.
2 Comments for Birdwatching in Ireland
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Pretty! This has been a really wonderful article. Many thanks for providing these details. Virginie Murray Sweyn
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful article. Many thanks for providing these details. Virginie Murray Sweyn
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What makes Ireland so special:The first time off the plane in Shannon I felt HOME. I was not exneitcpg those emotions, a spirit of peace and oneness with the country of my grandparents. I loved the smell of the fresh sea air, the green grass and trees, the landscape dotted with ancient castles, the rolling hills and stopping to allow the cows walk across the road while driving.I loved not seeing anyone wearing a baseball cap and the pleasant welcome and friendliness of every one I encountered.I loved the Irish accent and craic in the pubs. The music and singing is so much a part of the culture. The Irish seem so free and know how to enjoy themselves.I love being invited into their homes for Tea . I took a special interest in the architecture of their churches, they are very beautiful and even small villages have one.I love their way of expressing cooker for stove, post for mail, boot for trunk, ring you for calling you on the phone. It all makes more sense.I loved meeting Frank Mc Court at Writer’s Week in Listowel in 2006. Though famous and brilliant, he projected a gentle, kind and considerate spirit to all.I love the lifelong friends I made.I loved beauty and sad history of Clashmelcon. Balleybunion and the separate beaches. Listowel is so special, Adare lovely and Duah quaint, Ennis in County Clare is where I saw myself in the faces of the people on the walkways. The West is like going back in time with all the modern conveniences. Killarney is a fun town, full of surprises! Wicklow Hills are magical and breathtaking. Powerscourt Gardens and Glendalough are beyond description and pictures cannot reveal their breathtaking beauty.The gardens, houses and wildflowers are all a sight to behold. The sound of the ocean is magical. The food is the best I have eaten any place! The milk, butter, cheese, lamb are rich and tasty. Irish soda bread is wonderful!! The potatoes are the best I have ever eaten, very flavorful and a bit yellow in color, very unlike the white ones I am used to. Irish tea is the best in the world and spoiled me so completely I drink only Irish tea now. Oh, the ice cream; I have never had anything like it! And the chocolate is unlike anything I have ever had, I simply love it. The cemeteries are full of history and beauty with Celtic crosses all around. One could spend an entire day reading the stories on monuments, they are rich with history.I love the weather, any time of the year, and walking in the soft misty rain caressing my face. Ireland is Paradise and I would love to live there. Everywhere you go in Ireland are hidden treasures. Every day is a joy of new discoveries! Thank you for the opportunity to share a few of my experiences of the wonders of Ireland. I look forward to the My Guide to Ireland e-mails and will add you to my Facebook.All my best,Carol Kiley