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 1–23 of 166 species
American Golden-Plover
Pluvialis dominicaLC
A rare transatlantic vagrant, occasionally turning up in August on coastal mudflats or short grassland after Atlantic storms.
Aug
Arctic Jaeger
Stercorarius parasiticusLC
A rare autumn passage migrant seen offshore from August to October, often harassing terns and gulls. Best spotted during seawatches at coastal headlands.
Aug–Oct
Arctic Loon
Gavia arcticaLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally recorded off the coast in winter. Much scarcer here than the Red-throated Loon.
Jan
Arctic Tern
Sterna paradisaeaLC
An uncommon summer breeder on coastal islands and shingle beaches, present from May to September. Undertakes one of the longest migrations of any bird.
May–Sep
Atlantic Puffin
Fratercula arcticaVU
An uncommon summer breeder at Rathlin Island, present from April to August. Nests in clifftop burrows and forages far offshore for sand eels.
Apr–Aug
Avocet
Recurvirostra avosettaLC
A rare passage visitor, recorded in January. An unusual occurrence this far west, typically more associated with eastern British estuaries.
Jan
Bar-tailed Godwit
Limosa lapponicaNT
A rare resident found on sandy estuaries and mudflats. Winter numbers are boosted by Arctic breeders at sites like Strangford Lough.
Jul–May
Barn Swallow
Hirundo rusticaLC
A common summer visitor from April to October, nesting in barns and outbuildings across rural Northern Ireland. Numbers have declined but it remains a welcome sight.
Apr–Oct
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Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsisLC
Rare visitor mainly in winter, favouring coastal grasslands and offshore islands. Small flocks occasionally appear at traditional goose sites.
Oct–Jul
Black Guillemot
Cepphus grylleLC
An uncommon year-round resident of rocky coasts and harbours. Distinctive in its black plumage with white wing patches, often seen close inshore.
Year-round
Black Redstart
Phoenicurus ochrurosLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally turning up on coastal sites and buildings. Sightings in Northern Ireland are scarce and noteworthy.
Jan
Black-headed Gull
Larus ridibundusLC
A common year-round resident found across farmland, parks, lakes, and urban areas. Easily recognised by its chocolate-brown hood in breeding plumage.
Year-round
Black-tailed Godwit
Limosa limosaNT
An uncommon year-round resident of estuarine mudflats and wet grassland. Lough Foyle and Strangford Lough are important wintering sites.
Year-round
Blackbird
Turdus merulaLC
One of the most familiar garden birds year-round, often seen foraging noisily in leaf litter. Numbers swell in winter with Continental migrants.
Year-round
Blackcap
Sylvia atricapillaLC
An uncommon year-round resident, increasingly overwintering. Breeds in mature woodland and scrub; winter birds from continental Europe supplement the local population.
Year-round
Blue Tit
Cyanistes caeruleusLC
One of the most familiar garden birds, present year-round. A frequent visitor to feeders and nest boxes in gardens, parks, and woodland edges throughout the region.
Year-round
Bohemian Waxwing
Bombycilla garrulusLC
An irruptive visitor appearing rarely in winter, drawn to berry-bearing trees in towns and gardens. Sightings cause great excitement among local birders.
Dec–Feb
Brambling
Fringilla montifringillaLC
A rare passage visitor from northern Europe, occasionally joining Chaffinch flocks at woodland edges and feeding stations in autumn and early winter.
Oct–Apr
Brent Goose
Branta berniclaLC
Winters in large numbers on Strangford Lough and other coastal sites, grazing on eelgrass beds. Absent during midsummer months.
Sep–May
Bullfinch
Pyrrhula pyrrhulaLC
A shy, uncommon resident of hedgerows, scrub, and woodland edges. Often detected by its soft, piping call before it is seen.
Year-round
Buzzard
Buteo buteoLC
An uncommon but increasing year-round resident, now regularly seen soaring over farmland and woodland after recolonising Northern Ireland.
Year-round
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
Rare breeding visitor present from spring through summer on lakes and parkland. A naturalised species with a small but established population.
Mar–Aug
Carrion Crow
Corvus coroneLC
A rare non-breeding visitor in winter months. Northern Ireland lies within Hooded Crow territory, making pure Carrion Crows an unusual occurrence here.
Nov–Feb