Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus)

Holly Blue is a little blue-coloured butterfly that is native to Ireland. They are continuously in-flight throughout their natural range from early April to late June and once again then in early August to early September. They have a wingspan of only 1.5 inches which illustrates their tiny size. Holly Blue's mostly obtain their food sources … Continue reading Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus)

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Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

Barn Owls are known for their large wingspan. Their body length is approximately 13 to 16 inches but their wingspan is on average about 31.5 to 38 inches long. They are one of the most distinctive owls in Ireland due to the colouration and their apple-shaped face. Breeding season for these incredible birds takes place … Continue reading Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

Common Lizard (Lacerta vivipara)

This reptile species can be found all over Ireland in areas of marshlands, moors, boglands and woodlands. Although they are common throughout Ireland, they can be hard to find because of their small size and the fact that they are very very quick! Common Lizards are on average about 4 to 6 inches in length but … Continue reading Common Lizard (Lacerta vivipara)

Coal Tit (Periparus ater)

Coal Tits are one of the top-20 most widespread garden birds in Ireland. For this reason, this bird is very common to see in Irish gardens, especially those that have bird feeders! They are a green-listed species in Ireland, meaning that they are not considered to be threatened in our country. Currently, there are an … Continue reading Coal Tit (Periparus ater)

Irish Species: Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)

Red Squirrel The red squirrel is a member of the rodent family. Squirrels are distinguishable by their long bushy tails, which can measure almost the same as their body length. Body length can measure up to about 23cm whereas their tails can grow to about 20cm. Adult red squirrels can weigh up to 340g and fully-grown … Continue reading Irish Species: Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)

Irish Species: Basking Shark (Cetorhinus maximus)

Basking Shark  The basking shark is not only the biggest fish in Irish waters, but also the second largest fish in the ocean, behind the enormous whale shark. The basking shark belongs to the same family as the great white shark and has the most teeth of any shark. Despite this fact, the basing shark … Continue reading Irish Species: Basking Shark (Cetorhinus maximus)

Irish Species: Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)

Red Fox The red fox is one of the most common Irish mammals. It has the largest geographical range of any of the order Carnivora, occupying most of the Northern Hemisphere. They are an extremely versatile and adaptable animal, and thrive in both rural and urban areas. The red fox is the largest of the foxes … Continue reading Irish Species: Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)

Species of the Day: Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

Bottlenose Dolphin The bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is one of 24 whale and dolphin species in Irish waters. The west of Ireland in particular, is thought to be home to one of the highest bottlenose dolphin concentrations in all of Europe. With the exception of orcas, the bottlenose dolphin is larger than the other dolphin … Continue reading Species of the Day: Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

Irish Species: Irish Hare (Lepus Timidus Hibernicus)

Irish Hare The Irish Hare species are abundant throughout Ireland, particularly within mountainous regions of the island such as the Wicklow Mountains. It is thought that there are at least 16 types of subspecies of the Irish Hare on the island that are endemic. Irish Hares don't burrow and don't use dens as a shelter … Continue reading Irish Species: Irish Hare (Lepus Timidus Hibernicus)

Species of the Day: Irish Stoat (Mustela erminea hibernica)

Irish Stoat The Irish Stoat is a Mustelid that can be found all over the island of Ireland and also on the Isle of Man. The Irish Stoat is a separate sub-species to Stoats found elsewhere. One defining feature of the Irish Stoat is the irregular line between the brown upper body fur and the … Continue reading Species of the Day: Irish Stoat (Mustela erminea hibernica)