The Ring Ouzel: Ireland’s Secretive Endangered Mountain Thrush
High in Ireland’s wild uplands, a shadowy bird sings a song as haunting as the hills themselves. Meet the Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus) — a shy cousin of the blackbird, easily recognised by the striking white crescent on its chest. This elusive species is one of Ireland’s most threatened breeding birds, yet few people even know it’s here.
Where to Find the Ring Ouzel
Ring Ouzels breed in remote upland areas, favouring steep valleys, heather moorland, and rocky slopes at altitudes typically over 300 metres. In Ireland, they are mainly found in:
Co. Donegal
Co. Mayo
The Mourne Mountains (Co. Down)
Occasionally in parts of the Wicklow Mountains
These birds are summer visitors, arriving in April to breed and returning to southern Europe or North Africa by September.
Photo by Francesco Ungaro
How Many Are Left?
The Irish population of Ring Ouzels has declined dramatically over the past century and is now critically small. It’s estimated that fewer than 100 breeding pairs remain in the entire country — and possibly far fewer.
The bird is classified as a Red List species in Ireland due to ongoing population declines and habitat loss.
Why Are They Disappearing?
Several factors contribute to the Ring Ouzel’s steep decline:
🪵 Habitat Loss: Encroachment by forestry, grazing pressure from sheep, and land-use changes have reduced suitable nesting areas.
🌱 Shrinking Food Sources: A decline in upland invertebrates and berries due to climate change and land degradation impacts their diet.
🥶 Climate Change: Wetter, colder springs and unseasonal snow can reduce breeding success.
🚧 Disturbance: Increasing human activity in uplands (hiking, trail-building) during breeding season can cause nest abandonment.
Photo by D H J
What Can Be Done to Help the Ring Ouzel?
Efforts to protect the Ring Ouzel must be focused and collaborative. Key actions include:
Preserving Upland Habitat: Maintain open, grazed but not overgrazed areas with native vegetation.
Managing Grazing Pressure: Balanced grazing regimes allow heather and bilberry to flourish, supporting the bird’s food supply.
Monitoring Populations: More research is needed to better understand their movements and nesting success in Ireland.
Raising Awareness: Most people have never heard of the Ring Ouzel — education is key to its survival.
In the UK, conservation initiatives like the South Pennines Ring Ouzel Project have seen some local success. Similar models could help here too.
How You Can Make a Difference
Even if you’ve never climbed an Irish mountain, you can still help protect this upland gem:
🥾 Tread Lightly in the Hills: If hiking in known Ring Ouzel areas during breeding season (April–July), stick to marked trails and keep dogs on leads.
🌿 Support Upland Conservation: Donate to or volunteer with groups working to preserve Irish upland habitats, such as the Irish Uplands Forum or the Golden Eagle Trust.
📚 Share Their Story: Awareness is powerful. Mention the Ring Ouzel in schools, online posts, or local nature groups.
🗳️ Advocate for Nature: Support policies that prioritise biodiversity and sustainable upland farming.
📸 Be a Citizen Scientist: If you spot a Ring Ouzel, report it to BirdWatch Ireland to help build data on their range and numbers.
A Voice from the Mountains
The Ring Ouzel's flute-like song echoing across a misty valley is one of Ireland’s rarest and most evocative sounds. Protecting this bird means protecting an entire upland ecosystem — one that supports not only wildlife, but water sources, carbon storage, and the cultural soul of the Irish landscape.
Let’s not lose this mountain minstrel to silence.
By Paul Kavanagh – For The Ocean - For The Earth
