ROI bird life

My favourite examples of bird life in the R.O.Ireland

Grey Heron

Able to grow to a length of 98 cm with a wingspan of 195 cm weighing 1.5-2 kg the grey heron are a non migratory species in Ireland and the rest of the British isles that can be seen at all times of the year. They normally inhabit woodland, farmland, grassland, the coast and wetlands. They are carnivores that mostly feed on fish along the coast but they do also feed on ducklings and hunt for small rodents in fields. They are identified by their tall body, long legs, long beak and their black and white feathers. They are widespread and are of no concern in terms of conservation.

Tree sparrow

Able to grow to a length of 14 cm with a wingspan of 20-22 cm the tree sparrow is a small bird that weighs between 19-25 g, they are a resident species that do not migrate. They feed on insects and plant seeds, making them omnivores. They are most commonly found in woodland, farmland and urban areas in Ireland and the British isles with most of the population in Ireland being on the southeastern coast and in Northern Ireland along the east coast. They are a shy species not often associated with people and will not nest in houses like the house sparrow. They can be identified by their chestnut brown head, white cheeks and a collar with a contrasting black spot. The population in recent years has declined massively by 93% and they are classed as red priority by the RSPB but they are now on a slow increase in population.