Owls
Barn Owl Scréachóg Reilige Tyto alba
Uncommon & localised resident breeding species, was in decline but recent evidence suggests it is increasing again as a breeding species.
Global Distribution: Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, North America and South America.
Summer Distribution
Winter Distribution
Eurasian Scops Owl Ulchabhán Scopach Eoráiseach Otus scops
Rare vagrant.
Four county records up to the end of 2020.
2005 Crookhaven, found injured but subsequently died, 5th November, now in D. Ballard private collection.
1999 Cape Clear Island, adult male, trapped, 17th to 19th May.
1993 Inchydoney, found injured, 27th April, died 10th May.
1907 Fastnet Lighthouse, male, caught, 6th May. W. E. J. Williams, Zoologist 1907: 354
Global Distribution: A widespread breeder across much of southern and eastern Europe,
which constitutes >50% of its global breeding range. Also found in Africa and parts of Asia. (Birdlife International)
Snowy Owl Ulchabhán Sneachtúil Bubo scandiacus
Rare vagrant.
Three county records up to the end of 2020.
2021 Cobh and Cork Harbour area, one at a number of locations. It was killed by a car near Little Island.
2019 Bere Island, one on 5th September 2019.
1827 Inchigeela Mountain, shot at!, no date. Ussher & Warren, 1900
No longer accepted – 1878 At sea North Atlantic, off Cape Clear, 300 miles SW, male caught on a ship, November, and brought to Cork. Ussher & Warren, 1900
Global Distribution: an irregular breeder in Greenland, Iceland, Fennoscandia and
arctic Russia, with Europe accounting for less than a quarter of its global breeding
range. (Birdlife International)
Long-eared Owl Ceann Cait Asio otus
Uncommon though widespread resident breeding species. Scarce autumn passage migrant at the coast.
Global Distribution: Europe, Africa, Asia and North America.
Summer Distribution
Winter Distribution
Short-eared Owl Ulchabhán Réisc Asio flammeus
Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor.
Global Distribution: Europe, Africa, Asia, North America and South America.
Winter Distribution