Species
Terns Little Tern Geabhróg bheag Sternula albifrons Very scarce passage migrant. Not known to breed in the county, although it has done so in the past. Global Distribution: This species is breeding through much of Europe, scattered along the coast and inland in parts of Africa, in much of western, central and the…
Swifts Chimney Swift Gabhlán Simléir Chaetura pelagica Rare vagrant. Eight county records involving 12 individuals up to the end of 2020. 2015 Mizen Head, one on the 26th October 2015. 2005 An unprecedented influx. Between Courtmacsherry and Galley Head: three, 31st October to 3rd November; four, 1st November and two at Galley Head…
Swans Mute Swan Eala Bhalbh Cygnus olor Common resident breeding species throughout the county. Mainly resident, but some grouping of non breeding birds in summer and immature birds wander in the winter. Global Distribution: Europe and parts of south central Asia. Introduced into North America. Summer Distribution Winter Distribution Bewick’s Swan Eala Bewick Cygnus columbianus…
Swallows & Martins Sand Martin Gabhlán Gainimh Riperia riperia Common breeding summer visitor. Winters in the Sahel, south of the Sahara Desert in Africa. Global Distribution: Europe, Africa, North and South America. Summer Distribution (Barn) Swallow Fáinleog (Scioból) Hirundo rustica Common breeding summer visitor. Winters in Africa, south of the Sahara Desert.…
Surface Feeding Ducks Ruddy Shelduck Seil-Lacha Rua Tadorna ferruginea Rare vagrant. This species is regularly found in captivity, with many migratory feral populations on the near continent. Records in recent decades probably do not refer to genuinely wild birds. The species remains on Category D of the Irish list (escaped or introduced). Five records involving…
Stone Curlews Stone Curlew Crotach Cloch Burhinus oedicnemus Rare passage migrant, mostly in spring. Six records up to the end of 2020, since first recorded in 1913. 2013 Bantry, one on the 3rd June. 2010 Sherkin Island, one on the 20th/21st March. 1999 Dursey Island, one on the 26th April. 1996 Cape Clear Island,…
Avocets & Stilts Black-winged Stilt Scodalach Dubheiteach Himantopus himantopus Rare vagrant. 15 county records involving at least 29 individuals up to the end of 2020. 2014 White’s Marsh, one on the 30th and 31st May. 2008 Little Island, 27th May. 2005 White’s Marsh, Clonakilty, adult male, 1st May; same individual, Kilkerran Lake, 2nd…
Starlings (Common) Starling Druid (Coitianta) Sturnus vulgaris Common resident breeding species. Global Distribution: Europe, Africa and the south-western half of Asia. Introduced to many other countries. Summer Distribution Winter Distribution Rosy/Rose-coloured Starling Druid Rósach Pastor roseus Rare vagrant. 51 county records involving 54 birds up to the end of 2020. First county…
Sparrows House Sparrow Gealbhan Binne Passer domesticus Common resident breeding species, though appears to be declining nationally. Global Distribution: Europe, north Africa, Middle East and Asia. The House Sparrow has been introduced to many countries and now has an extremely large range and occurs in most parts of the world. Summer Distribution Winter…
Skuas Pomarine Skua Meirleach Mara Pomairíneach Stercorarius pomarinus Scarce passage migrant in spring and autumn. Numbers seen vary from year to year. Global Distribution: breeds in arctic Russia, with Europe accounting for less than a quarter of its global breeding range. Also Asia and North America. (Birdlife International) Arctic Skua/Parasitic Jaeger Meirleach Mara Artach Stercorarius…