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Many recent books (and all pre-1921 books) about birds in Ireland cover both Northern Ireland and the Republic Of Ireland. These are listed on this page.

Northern Ireland is also included in many British bird books. Some of these are listed on this page. See the Britsh field guides & handbooks, British atlases and other section for more books that cover the whole of Great Britain.

The books on this page are arranged by publication date with the most recent at the top of the page.

Finding Birds in Ireland: The Complete Guide

Eric Dempsey and Michael O'Clery

2014

" Since the publication of the best-selling first edition of Finding Birds in Ireland in 2007, Ireland's rich birdlife and its habitats have continued to be explored. This new second edition captures many new areas that have been discovered as rich birdwatching locations, as well as updating all of those sites described in the first edition. Since 2007 access and directions to many sites have changed while additional species have been recorded at many locations. This second edition includes the very latest information on each and every site. This comprehensive and beautifully illustrated reference guide is a 'must-have' for both experienced and novice birdwatchers. It is also an invaluable guide for visiting birdwatchers. The authors of the Complete Field Guide to Ireland's Birds cover almost 450 of the best birdwatching sites in Ireland, north and south. Organised county by county, this is an easy-to-follow handbook giving the site names, grid references, detailed directions and maps for each site. It includes the best times to visit each area, a breakdown of the different seasons and the species you are likely to find, and lists rare birds seen at each site in the past."

Freshwater Birds of Ireland

Jim Wilson

Collins Press

2011

"Almost all the world's birds come to fresh water on a regular basis. In Ireland hundreds can be observed eating, drinking and washing on river and canal banks, in reservoirs, ponds and lakes. A broad range of birds, they take advantage of Ireland s climate and variety of freshwater habitats. They include the elegant great crested grebe which feeds feathers to its chicks to aid digestion, and moorhens, three of which may lay eggs in one nest and may raise two or three families in a year. Irish snipe, found on wet ground, with a population of roughly 15,000 - 20,000, are joined by over half a million snipe from Iceland and Europe each winter. The whooper swan, which breeds in Iceland, makes the longest non-stop migration of any swan, travelling 1,300km between Iceland and Ireland and has been seen on one flight at 8km above sea level. Mark Carmody spent many hours capturing the essence and beauty of Ireland's freshwater birds and their habitats."

The Natural History of Ulster

John Faulkner and Robert Thompson

2011

"This is the first comprehensive publication to document the natural history of the nine-county province of Ulster. The Natural History of Ulster includes wildlife, geology, contributions from amateur naturalists and enthusiasts, our human place within the natural world and the response of some of our best-known poets to their natural surroundings. The heart of the book deals with the habitats that characterise Ulster's unique and special landscapes, and how its people and wildlife have evolved and adapted to an ever-changing environment."

The Complete Guide to Ireland's Birds

Eric Dempsey and Michael O'Clery

3rd edition

2010

"Eric Dempsey and Michael O'Clery's award-winning The Complete Guide to Ireland's Birds has been continuously in print for almost twenty years. Since the publication of the second edition, many new species have been recorded in Ireland while others have now been afforded full species status. The Complete Field Guide to Ireland's Birds reflects these most recent changes to Ireland's birdlife. It contains a large number of new plates, maps and an updated text, together with other new features. It fully describes and illustrates almost 370 species, detailing key identification features, voice and diet, habitat and status in Ireland, and the latest distribution maps for each. In addition, over 100 of Ireland's rarest species are also described. Presented in a new, smaller format, it can be easily fitted into a pocket or a rucksack and is ideal for use in the field."

In the Shadow of Slemish: My Life With The Hen Harrier

Don Scott

2010

Also published by Whittles Publishing as The Hen Harrier: In the Shadow of Slemish

" The hen harrier is one of the iconic species of the bird world and its history is a mix of controversy, persecution, and recent patchy recovery. This book, a dedicated study of the bird in N. Ireland for over two decades, provides a detailed account of the life, habits and prospects for the bird. The author presents much new information about the harrier in its continuing struggle to re-establish its hold despite high levels of persecution from man or predation by other species. Having spent thousands of hours over many years studying these birds, he was rewarded by the discovery that this ground-nesting species was nesting in tall conifers in the forests of County Antrim - the only country throughout their vast European range where this occurs annually. Other significant finds soon became apparent as did the discovery that red kites were nesting for the first time and marsh harriers had returned to nest for the first time in almost 200 years. The author's passion for the bird is obvious as he shares moments of excitement and sadness, and he speaks frankly about the maltreatment and mismanagement of this elegant raptor over the years."

Where to Watch Birds: Ireland

Paul Milne

2009

"This new edition covers the best birdwatching sites in Ireland. In a format familiar to readers of this popular series, each site is considered in terms of 'Habitat', Access' and 'Birds', allowing birders of all levels to plan successful birding trips anywhere in Ireland, and to maximise the chances of getting the best out of each site and each region. The book includes up-to-date, detailed maps and attractive line drawings. This book has been extensively revised, with several new sites added for this edition, together with information on disabled access for most sites."

Shorebirds of Ireland

Jim Wilson

The Collins Press

2009

"Sandpipers and plovers are among the many shorebirds that live between the tides in Ireland, on mudflats and shingle, in estuaries and lagoons, on beaches and bays. Jim Wilson and Mark Carmody introduce this world and its birds, which we have all seen but may know little about. Description of how they adapted to this often harsh environment, and how they evolved ways of exploiting the food supply, is followed by an account of their amazing annual migrations between Ireland and places such as arctic Canada and Siberia. One chapter describes the special role of Iceland in the lives of many shorebirds. The species portraits of those most likely to be seen in Ireland are enhanced with outstanding images paying homage to the beauty and variety of these birds. Mark Carmody spent hundreds of hours in search of these photographs to capture the essence and beauty of our shorebirds and their environment. Jim Wilson s text is again informative and engaging, sure to increase appreciation and understanding of these birds and where they live."

Birds of Ireland: Facts, Folklore and History

Glynn Anderson

2008

"A companion to bird-identification guides, this book focuses on our interaction with birds, wild, domesticated and extinct. A general introduction covers birds in Irish mythology and folklore, birds as omens, harbingers and food, and bird-related beliefs, proverbs and curses. This is followed by a species-by-species account, with each name and its meaning, a description and associated beliefs, myths, legends, weather lore, proverbs, culinary traditions and place names. Most birds in Ireland are included, and the more common they are the longer the entry. Each entry ends with a Facts & Figures section, such as species numbers in Ireland, where it is common and its longevity."

Finding Birds in Ireland

Eric Dempsey and Michael O'Clery

2007

"Organised county by county, this is an easy-to-follow handbook giving the site names, grid references, detailed directions and maps for each site. It includes the best times to visit each area, a breakdown of the different seasons and the species you are likely to find, and lists rare birds seen at each site in the past. "Finding Birds in Ireland" will become a well-thumbed addition to any birdwatcher's reference library as well as a celebratory record of the beauty and variety of birds in Ireland."

Birds of Ireland: An Introduction to Familiar Species

James Kavanagh

A Pocket Naturalist Guide

Waterford Press

2007

"This useful, pocket-sized guide - perfect for bird lovers - highlights more than 140 avian species found in Ireland and includes a map featuring prominent birding hotspots. Laminated for durability, this handy reference is a great source of portable information and ideal for field use by novices and experts alike. Laminated for durability, these handy folding guides are a great source of portable information about the most commonly seen birds in Ireland."

Birds of Ireland

Gordon D'Arcy

2006

"Ireland possesses an astonishing variety of bird-life, not only in the countryside and on the coast, but also in the towns, city centres and suburbs. This guide describes over 120 of the most widespread species. Each is delightfully illustrated in full colour and accompanied by a description of its distinctive habits."

Irish Birds: Collins Gem

David Cabot and Norman Arlott

2006

"An introductory guide to 167 of the most frequently occurring birds in Ireland in the best-selling pocketable Gem format. Irish Birds, describes and illustrates 160 of the most frequently occurring birds in Ireland. Specially designed for people with a general interest in birds, the species have been carefully selected to include those that the non-specialist birdwatcher is most likely to see. The entries are organised taxonomically, with a detailed introduction to all the different habitats. There are also details on key identification features and behavioural characteristics to help you identify each bird with accuracy and ease. Essential identification characteristics are given for each species, along with clear illustrations. There are notes on distribution, numbers and migration for each species as well as information on feeding habits and voice. Common name and Latin and Gaelic name are given. There is also a section with up-to-date information on places of interest and the best sites to go for birdwatching, with maps and contact information to help you get there."

A Field Guide to the Birds of Britain and Ireland by Habitat

Mark Golley, Dave Daly

2004

"A guide describing just under 300 species organised by habitat for ease of use. The text includes identification tips, details of habitat and calls for over 280 bird species. It is illustrated with over 1000 spectacular, full-colour illustrations by Dave Daly."

Irish Birds

David Cabot

2004

"An easy-to-use, fully-illustrated guide to the birds of Ireland Irish Birds describes and illustrates 160 of the most frequently occurring birds in Ireland. Specially designed for people with a general interest in birds, the species have been carefully selected to include those that the non-specialist birdwatcher is most likely to see. Birds are grouped together according to where they are most likely to be seen: in gardens, parks and buildings; farmland and hedgerows; woodland and scrubland; moorland and upland; freshwater or coastal areas. In addition: sections start with background information about each of the major habitats; essential identification characteristics are given for each species, along with clear illustrations; there are notes on distribution, numbers and migration for each species; general pages for thrushes, tits, sparrows, finches etc help you to distinguish similar species. Finally, a 'places to visit' section details 74 of the best sites in Ireland for birdwatching, including when to visit, how to get there, and what you will see."

Seabird Populations in Britain and Ireland

Ian Mitchell, Stephen Newton, Norman Ratcliffe, Timothy E. Dunn

2004

"A summary of the findings of the 'Seabird 2000' national initiative to carry out a census on all the breeding seabirds of Britain and Ireland, this study includes accounts of the current numbers and distribution of 25 different species."

The Complete Guide to Ireland's Birds

Eric Dempsey and Michael O'Clery

2nd edition

2002

"The Complete Guide to Ireland's Birds was published in 1993 and quickly established itself as the best and most comprehensive such guide ever produced. It was a best seller. What made it unique was that it covered all species recorded in Ireland to that date, and did so using an original layout including birds in typical poses as well as standard identification plates. It included the most up to date distribution maps and full descriptions of males, females, immatures, voice, diet and preferred habitat of 312 species. It also had brief descriptions of over 100 rare species. All these features are retained in the new edition. The principal changes concern the Irish bird population itself. Some species, such as the Corn Bunting, have become extinct while others, such as the Little Egret, are now well established. There have been falls in both Skylark and Lapwing populations and distribution while Corncrakes are re-establishing a breeding population in areas where they have been extinct for almost forty years. In addition, many species have been seen in Ireland for the first time since 1993. The new edition of the Complete Guide reflects these additional species, thus maintaining its coverage of all species recorded in Ireland to date."

Birds of Britain and Ireland

John Gooders

Kingfisher

2002

"This is a practical, informative and colour-illustrated field guide to 250 species of birds. It also contains distribution maps and complete checklists for easy identification."

The Migration Atlas: Movements of the Birds of Britain and Ireland

C. Wernham, M. Toms, J. Marchant, J. Clark, G. Siriwardena and S. Baillie

Poyser

2002

"Using a vast amount of data that the British Trust for Ornithology have collected from ringing recoveries, this title presents detailed and up-to-date information on bird migration. Since the ringing programme began in 1909, there have been around half a million recoveries of birds ringed in the UK. The data yielded have enabled the BTO to build up a picture of the movements of around 200 migratory species, and this book presents that information in a clear and concise format."

Birds New to Britain and Ireland: 1600-1999

Philip Palmer

Arlequin

2000

A guide to nearly 350 species that have been recorded in Britain for the first time after 1600.

Biodiversity in Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland Species Action Plans - Irish Hare, Chough, Curlew

Environment & Heritage Service

2000

Population Estimates & Habitat Associations of Breeding Waders in Northern Ireland

Henderson, I.G., Wilson, A.M. & Steele, D.

British Trust for Ornithology

2000

40 page report.

Ireland

David Cabot

Collins

1999

"David Cabot, an expert in his field, provides a comprehensive view of all the different types of habitat to be found in Ireland, from the peatlands and fens, to the mountains and uplands; from broad-leaved woodland to coastal zones. The book examines the history and ecology of each of these habitats, and describes the rich variety of flora and fauna to be found living there. In "The New Naturalist: Ireland" David Cabot also discusses the issue of nature conservation, addressing the history of the conservation movement in Ireland - its successes and failures - and the needs for the future."

Ireland's Lost Birds

Gordon D'Arcy

1999

"This book is concerned with the disappearance of a number of once-familiar Irish birds. The 12 case studies which make up the core of the book were compiled from a combination of literary and archaeological sources."

Rare Birds In Britain And Ireland: A Photographic Record

D. Cottridge, K Vinnicombe

1997

"This text catalogues the events and problems involved in identifying the first and subsequent sightings of the rare birds that have appeared in Britain and Ireland. It brings together information on the weather conditions, the problems involved in seeing each particular bird, who saw it and how many times that species has reappeared and where. This is the information that is of interest to twitchers, as it gives them a unique insight into when the species might reappear, and thus when they should organize their trips."

Historical Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain & Ireland: 1875-1900

Simon Holloway

1996

"An account of the distribution changes of Britain and Ireland's birds over the period 1875 to 1900. Individual species accounts include text and large colour distribution maps."

Pocket Guide to the Common Birds of Ireland

Eric Dempsey and Michael O'Clery

1995

"A detailed, compact field guide to the birds most likely to be encountered by ordinary birdwatchers. Beautiful colour plates highlight the important features, while the expert and accessible text explains clearly how to identify the birds: the calls, songs and diet of each species, and the habitat in which each is found. The up-to-date distribution maps enable the range of each species to be judged at a glance. The 'Pocket Guide to the Common Birds of Ireland', presented in an easy-to-follow layout, is perfect for beginner and expert alike, young and old."

Bird Life in Ireland

Don Conroy and Jim Wilson

1994

"Bird Life In Ireland is designed to give the reader a general introduction to birds and birdwatching. It describes the birds you are most likely to see in Ireland, pointing out the special features which help identification, and listing habits and general behaviour. There is a countyby county list of birdwatching sites, with maps, as well as suggested day trips and longer visits to important bird locations."

Where to Watch Birds: Ireland

Clive Hutchinson

1994

" At the Western edge of Europe, with a relatively unspoilt environment and low population, Ireland offers excellent opportunities for the birdwatcher. Its geographical position makes it ideal for observing migratory seabirds, waders and passerine vagrants from America. The island has some of Europe's best known birding "hotspots" including Cape Clear, Loop Head and Hook Head. This guide covers the whole of Ireland under 143 site accounts. These are divided into 62 major sites and 81 other sites worthy of attention. Each major site has at least one detailed map and is covered in detail. The lesser sites are generally less well watched but are areas with potential for interesting birds. Introductory chapters provide a thorough background to Ireland's avifauna and birdwatching in the North and the Republic."

The Complete Guide to Ireland's Birds

Eric Dempsey and Michael O'Clery

1993

"This is a guide to every species of bird that has been sighted in Ireland in the 20th century. The main part of the book is devoted to a detailed listing of the 315 most common species which are to be found on a regular basis. There is a supplementary section dealing with the 90 or so less common species - occasional visitors, Atlantic stragglers and other such examples. The book also contains a general introduction to Irish ornithology, offering an overview of the subject which is accessible to the non-specialist."

Checklist of Birds of Britain and Ireland

Compiler: A. G. Knox

1992 (revised ed)

"Latest edition of this standard checklist, important because for the first time it includes the new English names suggested for British birds. Systematic list gives family, English and scientific name, races and subspecies, species category and species status. Includes full checklist with room for notes."

Rare Birds of Britain and Ireland: A Personal Survey of Over 300 Unusual Visitors

David Saunders

1991

"The author of this book has researched past historical sightings and locations where the watcher is most likely to find a bird not normally seen in the British Isles or ones which may appear on these shores only once in a lifetime. He describes conditions that may give rise to a rare visitor, his personal experiences in spotting rarities and relates anecdotes about past visitors. This is a book for both twitchers and armchair enthusiasts and includes birds such as the Aleutian tern, the Golden-winged warbler, the egret and the long-tailed duck."

Birds in Ireland

Clive D. Hutchinson

Poyser

1989

"Birdwatching has become an increasingly popular pastime in Ireland as elsewhere. Nor is all of the birdwatching done by the Irish. Many professional ornithologists from Britain and Western Europe find good reason to study Ireland's birds, as do the numerous birdwatching visitors each year. Clive Hutchinson, a leading Irish ornithologist, has compiled this comprehensive review of birds in the Republic and Northern Ireland to coincide with the 21st anniversary year of the Irish Wildbird Conservancy's foundation and he has had the IWC's active support throughout. The book is timely for other reasons, too. Knowledge about the status and distribution of birds in Ireland has increased greatly since the 1960s and this is reflected in the detailed species accounts which form the major part of the book. Factors which led to this greater knowledge, recent changes in bird distribution and status, and reasons for the absence of some species are topics discussed in the book's introductory chapters. Other subjects covered are Ireland's topography, climate and habitats, a review of ornithology and ornithologists in Ireland over the last 100 years, and conservation programmes of more recent times."

Rare Birds in Britain & Ireland

J.N. Dymond, P.A. Fraser, and S.J. Gantlett

Poyser

1989

"A study of more than 300 species of scarce and rare birds that were recorded in Britain and Ireland between 1958 and 1985. Additional rarities from outside this period are also listed. The book succeeds two earlier Poyser publications; Scarce Migrant Birds in Britain and Ireland (Sharrock 1974) and Rare birds in Britain and Ireland (Sharrock 1976)."

Summary Statistics For Waders On United Kingdom Estuaries, 1981/82 To 1985/86. Part 1: England. Part 2: Scotland. Part 3: Wales. Part 4: Northern Ireland

Prys-Jones R.P. & Kirby, J.S.

British Trust for Ornithology

1987

400 page report.

The Atlas of Wintering Birds in Britain & Ireland

Peter Lack

1986

"A guide to the distribution and status of wintering birds in Britain and Ireland based on surveys carried out during the winters of 1981/82, 1982/83 and 1983/84. The surveys were organised by the British Trust for Ornithology and the Irish Wildbird Conservancy."

Watching Birds in Ireland

Colin Hutchinson

1986

144 page guide to birdwatching sites.

Birds New to Britain and Ireland

J.T.R. Sharrock and P.J. Grant

Poyser

1982

Descriptions of 83 species that were recorded in Britain and Ireland for the first time after 1946. The accounts of the sightings were first published in British Birds. Additional information is provided about details of identification and subsequent sightings of the species.

Estuary Birds of Britain and Ireland

A.J. Prater

Poyser

1981

"Estuaries are rightly of great interest and concern to the birdwatcher. Most teem with thousands of waders, geese, ducks, gulls and other species that use them at times throughout the year; they are also among the last of the wild places left in Britain and Europe. The ‘Birds of Estuaries Enquiry' (sponsored by the Nature Conservancy Council and organised by the BTO, RSPB and the Wildfowl Trust) spanned six years, and Tony Prater's report now provides a detailed insight into the birds which use and, in many cases, depend on this special habitat. Of great interest to birdwatchers, the book also will be essential reading for professional conservationists and all involved in the planning and use of estuaries. It assesses the importance of each estuary and the distribution and numbers of all species generally present, and by setting this in an international framework demonstrates the remarkable importance of the estuaries around these islands. Threats to the fabric of the landscape and its wildlife abound, and estuaries are not exempt. Barrage schemes, industrial and agricultural reclamations and many other pressures exist and are the subject of chapters which survey the situation, now and in the future. The text is graced by John Busby's accomplished and evocative drawings and there are numerous maps and diagrams as well as photographs of typical estuaries."

Ireland's Wetlands And Their Birds

Clive Hutchinson

1979

Birds At Lough Beg

Gordon D'Arcy

1978

The Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland

J.T.R. Sharrock

1976

The Atlas plots the results of the survey organised by the BTO and the IWC during the yeays 1968-72. Over 250 maps show the distribution of 218 species.

Rare Birds in Britain & Ireland

J T R Sharrock

Poyser

1976

"This book covers 221 species. An updated version of this book (Rare Birds in Britain and Ireland: J.N. Dymond, P.A. Fraser, and S.J. Gantlett) was published by Poyser in 1989."

A List Of The Birds Of Ireland

Robert F. Ruttledge

1975

Ireland's Birds

Robert F. Ruttledge

1966

207 pages.

A List Of The Birds Of Ireland

P.G. Kennedy

1961

Birds Of Ireland

P.G. Kennedy, Robert F. Ruttledge and C.F. Scroope

Oliver & Boyd

1954

A Natural History of Ireland, A Sketch of Its Flora and Fauna

Robert L. Praeger

1950

Birds of the Grey Wind

E.A. Armstrong

1940

Second and third editions published by Lindsay Drummond in 1944 and 1946.

A study of the bird life in Northern Ireland.

First edition


Second edition

Birds Of Ireland: An Account Of The Distribution, Migrations And Habits Of Birds As Observed In Ireland, With All Additions To The Irish List

Richard J. Ussher and Robert Warren

1900

From the preface:

The present volume has been compiled by Irishmen to supply that information about the Birds of their country which has been long and increasingly demanded; and the writers have consequently confined themselves to those facts which have a special connection with Ireland. The distribution of each species within the island is treated as the first branch of the subject, and occupies a large proportion of each article, having been made the primary object. To aid the reader in following the details of distribution two maps have been prepared which contain a novel feature in exhibiting the unreclaimed lands, a division which is important in determining the character of the avifauna, especially as such lands are chiefly tracts of peat. The waters, coloured blue, are also an important feature, and many names of spots referred to in the text, such as those of light-stations, have been inserted. Migration is another subject that has specially engaged attention, and with reference to this the times of arrival and departure given are the results of collected observations made in various parts of Ireland, while the seasonal movements within the country itself have not been neglected.