HMS Bird was a small, lightly armed survey sloop constructed for the Royal Navy, launched in 1764. The vessel was purchased on the stocks from shipwright Henry Bird of Rotherithe in May 1764. Designed as a coastal survey vessel, HMS Bird measured 58 feet 6 inches (17.8 meters) in overall length, with a beam of 17 feet 7 inches (5.4 meters) and a hold depth of 8 feet 1 inch (2.5 meters). Her tonnage was 75 20/94 tons burthen, reflecting her modest size suitable for survey and patrol duties. Armed with 8 small guns, her armament was light, emphasizing her role more in surveying than combat. The ship was fitted out at Deptford dockyard between May and August 1764 at a cost of £664. Following her commissioning under Lieutenant John Cowan, HMS Bird embarked on her primary mission: conducting coastal survey work along the Irish shoreline. Her surveys contributed to naval and geographic knowledge of the Irish coast during this period. HMS Bird served actively for approximately eleven years, with her most notable service being her four-year survey along the Irish coast. In 1769, she returned to Deptford for refitting, indicating her ongoing operational use and maintenance. Her service was characterized by her role in early maritime surveying, aiding navigation and maritime charts of the region. The vessel’s career ended when she was broken up at Deptford Dockyard in March 1775. HMS Bird’s operational history underscores her significance as a dedicated survey vessel during the mid-18th century, contributing to the Royal Navy’s coastal mapping efforts and maritime knowledge during a period of expanding naval exploration.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.