Kingfishers (Common) Kingfisher Cruidín (Coitianta) Alcedo atthis Widespread though uncommon resident breeding species. Global Distribution: Europe, Africa and Asia. Summer Distribution Winter Distribution Belted Kingfisher Cruidín Creasa Alcedo atthis Rare vagrant. One record up to the end of 2020. 2020 Castletownbere, one from 9th November into 2021 is the first…
Hoopoes Hoopoe Húpú Upupa epops Very scarce but almost annual vagrant, with the majority of records in spring. Recorded in all months of the year with the vast majority in March and April. Global Distribution: A widespread breeder across much of the southern half of Europe, which accounts for less than a quarter of…
Herons, Storks and Ibises (Great) Bittern Bonnán (Mór) Botaurus stellaris Former resident, now a rare visitor. Ussher & Warren recorded 36 ‘since finished breeding in Ireland.’ (Ussher & Warren: 168) Four records in modern times up to the end of 2020. 2014 One, Kilcolman NNR, 31st March. 2012 One, Ballyhonock Lake, 19th March. 2006…
Gulls Ivory Gull Faoileán Eabhartha Pagophila eburnea Rare vagrant. Six county records up to the end of 2020. 2009 Baltimore Harbour, 1st winter, 3rd to 8th March. Also seen at Gujan-mestras, Gironde, France, 21 Jan – 26 Feb. 1999 Kinsale Harbour, adult, 9th to 10th January. 1980 Ballycotton, first-winter, 1st to 9th January. 1969 Ballycotton,…
Grouse, Partridges and Pheasants Red Grouse Cearc Fhraoigh Lagopus lagopus scotica Rare resident breeding species, once common in suitable habitat but now a declining species, apparently maintaining a toehold in the north Cork mountains. Global Distribution: Northern areas of Europe, Asia and North America. Summer Distribution Winter Distribution (Western) Capercaillie Capall Coille (Iartharach)…
Grebes Pied-billed Grebe Foitheach Gob-Alabhreac Podilymbus podiceps Rare vagrant. Five county records up to the end of 2020, with four records from 1997 to 2000 possibly involving the same individual. 2010/11 Cork Harbour (between Little Island and Great Island) 11th December 2010 to 3rd February 2011 2010 Little Island, from 10th December until 3rd February…
Geese Taiga Bean Goose Gé Síolghé Taiga Anser fabalis Rare vagrant. Three county records involving 33 birds up to the end of 2020. 1984 One at Ballymacoda from 28th April to the 16th May. 1982 Up to 27 at Ballintotis, near Midleton, on from the 5th to the 28th January. 1981 Two…
Gannets and Boobies (Northern) Gannet Gainéad (Thuaidh) Morus bassana Breeding Species and common offshore during the spring, summer and autumn. Scarce during winter months. The only breeding colony in the county is on the Bull Rock where 6,388 breeding pairs were counted in 2014. Large movements along the coast usually observed between August and October…
Frigatebirds Frigatebird sp. Frigéad sp. Fregata sp. Rare vagrant. One county record up to end of 2020. 1973 Cape Clear Island, 24th August. This is the first Irish record. Global Distribution: Frigatebirds are tropic and sub-tropic in distribution and the species most like to be seen in Ireland is the Magnificent Frigatebird. This species is distributed…
Flycatchers Spotted Flycatcher Cuilire Liath Muscicapa striata Uncommon breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. Species seems to becoming rarer in recent decades. Recent genetic studies have revealed that this species is more closely related to the Robin rather than the flycatcher family. Global Distribution: Europe, Africa and Asia. Summer Distribution 1968-72 Summer…