There’s more to Irish bird folklore than the ‘wran’ boys and the Children of Lir. Birds have been part of our culture from very early times and there are countless beliefs, proverbs and curses associated with them: we believed cuckoos turned into hawks, woodcock holidayed on the moon and some birds grew on trees.

Learn the rich meaning of bird names: the dotterel was known as amadán móinteach, which means ‘bog idiot’ and the dunnock was called máthair chéile, which translates as ‘mother-in-law’. Birds have also influenced place names throughout the country, such as the Curlew Mountains in Roscommon or Hawk’s Nest, County Antrim. Each entry ends with a ‘Facts & Figures’ section, listing species numbers in Ireland, where it is common and its longevity.

This entertaining compendium will bring joy to bird lovers and general readers alike.