Birds are all around us every day – in the garden, in the park, by the sea, in woodlands and even in the middle of the city. We hear them in the morning, see them flying overhead, and often pass them by without thinking too much about them. But when you learn their names in Irish, you start to notice them in a new way.

From the spideog in the garden to the faoileán by the sea, there is a wealth of Irish to be found in the world of birds. Some of these names are simple and easy to remember, while others are more poetic, descriptive or connected to nature and folklore.

Here are some common and interesting birds to learn in Irish:

Spideog

Robin

Lon dubh

Blackbird

Faoileán

Seagull

Préachán

Crow

Snag Breac / Meaig

Magpie

Gealbhan

Sparrow

Dreoilín

Wren

Eala

Swan

Préachán

Crow

Lacha

Duck

Corr réisc

Heron

Puifín

Puffin

Ulchabhán donn

Tawny owl

Scréachóg reilige

Barn owl

Some of these names are very descriptive. Lon dubh, (blackbird) for example, is easy to understand when you see the bird itself. Corr réisc (heron) is linked to the kind of place where the bird is often found, near water and marshes. Scréachóg reilige (barn owl) is another striking name, suggesting both the bird’s cry and the mysterious atmosphere often associated with it.

Birds also have a special place in Irish folklore and imagination. The dreoilín (wren) may be small, but it plays an important role in Wren Day, a tradition associated with the day after Christmas. This is a reminder that an animal does not have to be large or powerful to hold an important place in culture and storytelling.

The spideog, or robin, is one of the most loved birds in Ireland and beyond. Small, confident and easy to recognise!

The eala, or swan, appears in stories and mythology, and is often linked with beauty, transformation and magic.

You can bring Gaeilge into your everyday life through the things already around you. Sometimes, learning one new word – spideog, eala, faoileán or dreoilín – is a great place to begin.

If words like these spark your interest, Gaelchultúr offers a wide range of Irish-language courses for adults, from beginner to advanced level. We also offer folklore courses for those who wish to explore Irish stories and traditions in greater depth.

The next time you hear a bird singing or spot one flying overhead, try saying its Irish name!

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