What kind of bird is a curlew?

Why is curlew conservation important?

Curlew are now considered to be “vulnerable” on the European red list, meaning that the species face a high risk of extinction. The UK plays an important role in shaping curlew conservation, because we support important breeding and overwintering populations.

Who are BirdWatch Ireland’s top scientists meeting today?

BirdWatch Ireland’s top scientists are today, on World Curlew Day, meeting Ministers of State Malcolm Noonan and Pippa Hackett to discuss alarming wild bird declines.

What is BirdWatch Ireland doing to save the Curlew?

BirdWatch Ireland has partnered with the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA), the Irish Grey Partridge Conservation Trust and Teagasc to address factors contributing to the decline of breeding Curlew in Ireland.

How many breeding birds in Galway bog?

BirdWatch Ireland have also come on board and worked with Galway County Council and Galway Telework to undertake a survey of the breeding birds on the bog, which recorded forty breeding bird species.

Are Curlew in danger of extinction?

While species of curlew are under threat worldwide, there has been a 97% decline in the population of the wader in Ireland since the 1980s, according to a recent study. Minister Madigan said: “We are in the third year of our Curlew Conservation Programme.

Is Ireland’s native curlew bird on the brink of extinction?

ONE of Ireland’s most distinctive birds is “on the brink of extinction”, according to experts. The native curlew population has dropped to just 138 pairs, a decrease of 96 per cent in almost 30 years.

Can we save the Irish curlew?

The native curlew population has dropped to just 138 pairs, a decrease of 96 per cent in almost 30 years. Alan Lauder, the chair of the Irish Curlew Task Force, says that work is underway to save the species, which are usually found in damp pastures and on bogs.

Where are the most important areas in Ireland for breeding curlew?

In 2020, the Curlew Conservation Programme focussed on nine of the most important areas in Ireland for breeding Curlew, including the Stack’s Mountains in Kerry, Lough Ree, Roscommon/Mayo, Leitrim, North Monaghan, Donegal, Lough Corrib, Slieve Aughties and Laois/Kildare.

How many birds are now on the Red List in Ireland?

A total of 54 Irish bird species (26%) are now on the Red List, indicating the highest status of concern for their populations, the most recent ‘Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland’ review has found.

What is happening to the birds of conservation concern in Ireland?

The latest review of the Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland provides alarming reading, with a 46% increase in the number of Red-listed species, those of highest conservation concern.

Where are the largest raised bogs in Ireland?

Carrownagappul Bog SAC, near Mountbellew in east Galway is one of the largest remaining, relatively intact raised bogs in the country. The 325 hectare bog, is currently undergoing restoration – as well as a rebirth in the minds of the local community. Like so many bogs across the country, Carrownagappul Bog SAC was drained, dried out and degraded.

When do pigeons sing in Ireland?

The song period is late April to late June. Mainly caterpillars and other insects. Widespread in Ireland, favouring open areas which hold their main Irish host species – Meadow Pipit. Has a remarkable breeding biology unlike any other Irish breeding species.

Are Curlew birds red listed in Ireland?

As a red listed species, they are included in Ireland’s Prioritised Action Framework 72 as a conservation priority. As Curlew are not listed on Annex 1 of the Birds Directive, no Special Protection Areas (SPAs) have been designated with Curlew as a qualifying feature in Ireland.

Why is it important to protect curlew nesting areas?

It is therefore important that these peatlands where Curlew are known to be nesting are safeguarded and appropriately managed, to protect pairs and enhance their breeding success. Areas of intact peatlands need protection and management to provide breeding habitat for Curlew in the future.

How can we protect Ireland’s curlews?

It’s estimated there are just 138 pairs of curlews in Ireland which is a decrease of 96% in almost 30 years. Recommendations include the need for payments to landowners for sympathetic management, protection for curlew sites from inappropriate developments such as peat extraction, afforestation and intensification, as well as further research.

What has happened to the native breeding population of the Curlew?

The group was set up in 2017 to try and arrest the decline in the native breeding population of the curlew. It’s estimated there are just 138 pairs of curlews in Ireland which is a decrease of 96% in almost 30 years.

What has the Curlew task force done for bird conservation?

That’s according to Birdwatch Ireland which was reacting to a series of recommendations from the Curlew Task Force aimed at promoting key policies and action for the conservation of one of Ireland’s most threatened bird species.

How many Eurasian curlews are there in Ireland?

There are only 136 Eurasian Curlews in Ireland and they are now on the verge of extinction as their habitat is being destroyed. The Irish Curlew Task Force is fighting to save the bird from extinction and to protect their vulnerable chicks.

Is it possible to save the Irish curlew?

The chair of the Irish Curlew Task Force has said they have a plan to save the curlew which is in danger of extinction. The curlew population is currently 138 pairs, a decrease of 96% in almost 30 years.

Why are Curlew birds in decline?

The decline in the curlew population has come about because of the loss of their natural habitats due to land ‘improvement’, land abandonment and afforestation. The task force is aiming to get the birds to breed more to increase numbers, but will have to come up with a strategy to protect chicks from predators.