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Razorbills
This bird is recognised by its broader
and heavy marked bill. Razorbill numbers
(7,700 individuals) in particular
seem to have increased at the Cliffs
and the site is of international importance
for this species.
 Guillemots
The Cliffs of Moher is the 3rd largest
site in Ireland for Guillemot (approx.
19,960 individuals). The Guillemot
arrives in March/April. One egg is
laid directly on the ledge. The pear
shaped eggs and chicks have a precarious
existence but they rarely fall off
the nesting ledge.
 Fulmar
The cliffs contain the second largest
colony of Fulmar in Ireland (3,560
apparently occupied sites). Fulmars
have greatly expanded their range
and numbers at the cliffs in recent
times. They originally came from the
Artic and Iceland and began to colonise
Ireland in 1911. Fulmar are present
for much of the year, with eggs laid
in May.
Kittiwake
The cliffs is one of the top two sites
in the country for Kittiwake (approx.
7,700 occupied nests). It is among
the first birds to arrive in spring
to breed. It is rarely seen near the
shore for the remainder of the year,
as it spends most of its life in the
middle of the south Atlantic.
 Herring
Gull
Small numbers of Herring Gull breed
on the stacks or the upper ledges
of the cliffs. Botulism appears to
have affected Herring Gulls and a
decline in their numbers has been
noted at the Cliffs of Moher, this
is in line with a nationwide trend.
Great Black-backed
Gulls
These birds patrol the cliffs for
a chance encounter with an unguarded
auk egg or chick.
Birds of
Prey
Hovering kestrels float over the cliff
tops in search of field mice and large
insects. Peregrine breed on the hidden
cliff ledges.
Shags
Shags are also found breeding in small
numbers, particularly in the caves.
Chough
Four pairs of chough breed from Hag’s
Head to Doolin and are seen feeding
on the short grass at the cliff top.
Listen out for their harsh ‘cheeow’
calls.
Common breeding
birds
Stonechat and many other common breeding
birds are to be seen on the bushes
and slate stone walls inland of the
cliffs.
Rock Pipit/
Skylarks
These can be seen all year round.
Listen for the Skylark’s continuous
stream of warbling song delivered
from the air.
Wheatear/
Twite
This African migrant and the scarce
Twite breed here in summer in small
numbers.
Information
courtesy of Conjella Maguire, Heritage
Officer, Clare County Council and
John N Murphy, Clare Birdwatching
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