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 93–115 of 166 species
House Sparrow
Passer domesticusLC
A familiar year-round resident nesting under eaves and in wall cavities across towns and villages. Numbers have declined but it remains widespread.
Year-round
Iceland Gull
Larus glaucoidesLC
A rare late-winter passage visitor from Greenland, occasionally found among gull flocks at harbours and refuse tips, typically around March.
Mar
Jackdaw
Coloeus monedulaLC
A common resident often seen in noisy flocks around church towers, old buildings, and farmland. Readily nests in chimneys and stone walls throughout the region.
Year-round
Kestrel
Falco tinnunculusLC
A rare year-round resident that has declined markedly. Hunts over open farmland and rough grassland, hovering distinctively into the wind.
May–Mar
Kittiwake
Rissa tridactylaVU
An uncommon year-round resident nesting on sea cliffs at colonies like Rathlin Island. Numbers are declining, making it a species of conservation concern.
Year-round
Leach's Storm-petrel
Hydrobates leucorhousVU
A rare autumn passage visitor, most likely spotted during September storms when strong winds push pelagic birds close inshore.
Sep
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscusLC
A common resident found year-round at coasts, lakes, and urban areas. Numbers peak in summer when breeding colonies are active.
Year-round
Linnet
Linaria cannabinaLC
An uncommon resident of gorse-covered hillsides, farmland margins, and coastal scrub. Often seen in small flocks outside the breeding season.
Year-round
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Little Egret
Egretta garzettaLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, now established at coastal and inland wetlands. A relatively recent colonist to Northern Ireland.
Year-round
Little Grebe
Tachybaptus ruficollisLC
An uncommon year-round resident of sheltered ponds, lakes, and slow rivers. Secretive but betrayed by its distinctive whinnying call, especially in spring.
Year-round
Little Gull
Hydrocoloeus minutusLC
A rare visitor to loughs and coastal waters, occasionally recorded in spring and summer. This dainty gull is the smallest in Europe.
Apr–Jul
Long-eared Owl
Asio otusLC
An uncommon and secretive resident, favouring conifer plantations and dense scrub. Northern Ireland's only widespread breeding owl species.
Year-round
Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalisVU
Rare passage visitor, occasionally seen in November on coastal waters. A scarce and declining species across its wintering range.
Nov
Long-tailed Tit
Aegithalos caudatusLC
An uncommon resident of hedgerows and woodland, often seen in lively family flocks. Its tiny body and remarkably long tail make it instantly recognisable.
Year-round
Magpie
Pica picaLC
A common resident found year-round in gardens, farmland, and hedgerows. Its bold black-and-white plumage and chattering call are familiar across Northern Ireland.
Year-round
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
The most common and widespread duck, found year-round on virtually any waterbody from urban parks to remote loughs.
Year-round
Manx Shearwater
Puffinus puffinusLC
An uncommon breeding visitor from April to September, nesting on offshore islands. Often seen in rafts on the sea at dusk near colonies.
Apr–Sep
Meadow Pipit
Anthus pratensisLC
A characteristic bird of upland bogs, moorland, and rough pasture throughout the year. Its parachuting song flight is a hallmark of open hillsides.
Year-round
Merlin
Falco columbariusLC
A rare resident of upland moorland, more visible in autumn and winter when birds move to lowland coasts and farmland.
Sep–Apr
Mistle Thrush
Turdus viscivorusLC
An uncommon resident of parkland, open woodland, and large gardens. Often sings from exposed treetops even in midwinter, and fiercely defends berry-laden trees.
Year-round
Moorhen
Gallinula chloropusLC
An uncommon year-round resident of ponds, lakes and slow-moving waterways. Often seen picking its way along vegetated margins.
Year-round
Mute Swan
Cygnus olorLC
Familiar year-round resident on lakes, rivers, and urban waterways. Breeds widely and is easily seen across Northern Ireland.
Year-round
Northern Gannet
Morus bassanusLC
An uncommon year-round resident visible offshore, plunge-diving spectacularly for fish. Readily seen from headlands along the Antrim and north coasts.
Year-round