Birds in Northern Ireland
Explore 166 species found in this region.
Northern Ireland is home to an impressive 164 recorded bird species, thriving across a rich tapestry of habitats from the vast shores of Lough Neagh and Strangford Lough to the rugged Antrim coastline and rolling upland moorlands. Wading birds such as the Northern Lapwing and Common Sandpiper frequent the region's wetlands, while woodlands and hedgerows support species like the Great Tit and Magpie. Coastal estuaries and mudflats attract wintering wildfowl including Common Shelduck and Common Merganser, making Northern Ireland a rewarding destination for birdwatchers year-round.
Visiting in April? Look out for Atlantic Puffin and Barn Swallow arriving this month, and Barnacle Goose and Common Loon depart for the season.
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Get Your Free DigestShowing 24–46 of 166 species
Chaffinch
Fringilla coelebsLC
One of the commonest finches, found year-round in woodland, hedgerows, and gardens. Its loud 'pink-pink' call is a familiar countryside sound.
Year-round
Chiffchaff
Phylloscopus collybitaLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, present from February to November. Its repetitive 'chiff-chaff' song is among the first signs of spring in local woodlands.
Feb–Nov
Coal Tit
Periparus aterLC
A common resident of coniferous and mixed woodland, readily visiting garden feeders. Its distinctive 'pitchou' call is heard year-round across Northern Ireland.
Year-round
Common Gull
Larus canusLC
An uncommon year-round resident breeding near loughs and rivers. Often seen on farmland and playing fields, especially in winter when numbers increase.
Year-round
Common Kingfisher
Alcedo atthisLC
A rare but resident year-round along rivers and lakeshores. A flash of electric blue is often the only glimpse as it darts low over water.
Year-round
Common Loon
Gavia immerLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to coastal waters, most often seen in sheltered sea loughs and bays from autumn through spring.
Sep–May
Common Merganser
Mergus merganserLC
Rare non-breeding visitor to freshwater loughs and rivers in winter. Less common here than the Red-breasted Merganser.
Nov–Feb
Common Pheasant
Phasianus colchicusLC
An uncommon year-round resident, found in farmland and woodland edges. Numbers are maintained largely through releases for shooting.
Year-round
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Common Raven
Corvus coraxLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, favouring upland areas, sea cliffs, and the Mourne Mountains. Its deep croaking call carries far across open landscapes.
Year-round
Common Redpoll
Acanthis flammeaLC
An uncommon resident favouring birch and alder woodland. Often visits garden feeders in winter, sometimes mixing with Siskin flocks.
Year-round
Common Reed-warbler
Acrocephalus scirpaceusLC
A rare passage visitor recorded in May, likely overshooting from breeding grounds further south and east. Favours reedbed habitat.
May
Common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucosLC
A rare breeding visitor from April to September, found along stony rivers and lough shores. Bobs its tail constantly while foraging.
Apr–Sep
Common Scoter
Melanitta nigraLC
Rare non-breeding visitor to coastal waters, mainly from late summer through winter. Flocks gather in sheltered bays and sea loughs.
Aug–Mar
Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadornaLC
Uncommon year-round resident of estuaries and mudflats. Nests in rabbit burrows and other cavities near the coast.
Year-round
Common Starling
Sturnus vulgarisLC
A common year-round resident, forming spectacular winter murmurations. Found in towns, gardens, and farmland, though numbers have declined significantly in recent decades.
Year-round
Common Swift
Apus apusLC
An uncommon breeding visitor from April to August, screaming over towns and villages. Nests in older buildings and arrives later than most migrants.
Apr–Aug
Common Tern
Sterna hirundoLC
An uncommon summer breeder arriving in April and departing by September. Nests at coastal and inland sites, including purpose-built rafts on loughs.
Apr–Sep
Coot
Fulica atraLC
An uncommon resident found on larger lakes and reservoirs year-round. Lough Neagh and surrounding loughs hold notable numbers.
Year-round
Corncrake
Crex crexLC
A rare passage visitor in May and June, once more widespread. Rathlin Island remains one of the few Irish sites where it may occur.
May–Jun
Cuckoo
Cuculus canorusLC
A rare passage visitor in May and June, declining significantly across Ireland. Its distinctive call is now seldom heard in the region.
May–Jun
Curlew
Numenius arquataNT
An uncommon year-round resident of farmland, bogs and estuaries. Breeding numbers are declining sharply, making it a conservation priority.
Year-round
Curlew Sandpiper
Calidris ferrugineaNT
A rare autumn passage migrant, briefly appearing on coastal mudflats and estuarine edges in September during southward migration from Arctic breeding grounds.
Sep
Dipper
Cinclus cinclusLC
A rare but charismatic resident of fast-flowing rivers and streams, particularly in the Mournes and Sperrins. Bobs on midstream rocks while hunting aquatic invertebrates.
Jun–Apr