Species Profile
Dunnock
Prunella modularis
Dunnock
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
2–3 years
Length
13–14.5 cm
Weight
19–24 g
Wingspan
19–21 cm
Migration
Partial migrant
Also known as: Hedge Sparrow, Hedge Accentor
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Appearance
The Dunnock is a small, unassuming bird with a slender bill and slim body. Its plumage is predominantly brown and grey, with darker streaks on the back and wings, giving it a somewhat mousy appearance. The head and breast are a soft blue-grey colour.
Juveniles are browner overall, with less pronounced grey on the head and breast, and have more extensive streaking on their underparts.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Black
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Pink
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Dunnocks are widely distributed across Europe, from the British Isles to western Russia and from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean. They inhabit woodlands, hedgerows, parks, and gardens.
In the UK, Dunnocks are resident birds found year-round in rural and urban areas. Some northern European populations undertake short-distance migrations to milder regions during winter.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
United Kingdom
Wales
England
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Cambridgeshire
Rutland
Bedfordshire
Buckinghamshire
Berkshire
Bristol
Cheshire
Cornwall
Cumbria
Derbyshire
Devon
Dorset
Durham
East Riding of Yorkshire
Essex
East Sussex
Gloucestershire
Hampshire
Herefordshire
Hertfordshire
Isle of Wight
Kent
Merseyside
Lancashire
Leicestershire
Lincolnshire
London
Manchester
Northumberland
Norfolk
Northamptonshire
Nottinghamshire
North Yorkshire
Oxfordshire
South Yorkshire
Tyne and Wear
West Midlands
Suffolk
Shropshire
Somerset
Surrey
Staffordshire
Stockton-on-Tees
Warwickshire
Wiltshire
West Yorkshire
Worcestershire
West Sussex
Diet
Dunnocks are primarily insectivorous, feeding on various small invertebrates, including ants, beetles, and spiders. They supplement their diet with seeds, especially during autumn and winter. These birds often forage by pecking at the ground or probing leaf litter with their thin beaks.
Behaviour
Dunnocks are often seen hopping along the ground in a mouse-like manner, searching for insects and seeds. Despite their unobtrusive nature, they engage in complex mating behaviours, including polyandry and polygynandry.
These birds are typically solitary or found in pairs but can form small flocks in winter.
Calls & Sounds
The Dunnock's song is a high-pitched, warbling trill that lasts several seconds. It's often described as 'squeaky' or 'scratchy'. Their call is a thin, high 'tseep' sound. During territorial disputes, males may engage in rapid, alternating song battles.
Nesting & Breeding
Dunnocks typically breed from April to July. Their mating system varies, ranging from monogamy to polyandry and polygynandry, which is unusual among birds.
Females construct cup-shaped nests low in dense vegetation, often in hedges or shrubs. The nest is made of moss, grass, and leaves, lined with fine materials such as hair or feathers.
A clutch usually consists of 3-5 blue eggs. Incubation lasts about 12-14 days, primarily by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 11-13 days but remain dependent on adults for another 1-2 weeks.
Conservation
While the Dunnock is currently listed as Least Concern, populations have experienced declines in some areas due to habitat loss and agricultural intensification.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining diverse habitats in both rural and urban settings to support this adaptable species.
Elevation
Sea level to 3,000 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Dunnocks are preyed upon by various predators including domestic cats, sparrowhawks, and other birds of prey. Ground-nesting makes them vulnerable to mammals such as foxes and stoats.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Dunnocks foraging on the ground near hedges and shrubs
- Listen for their high-pitched, warbling song, often delivered from a low perch
- Observe their quick, shuffling movements as they search for food
- In the UK, check gardens and parks year-round for these resident birds
Did You Know?
- Dunnocks have one of the most complex mating systems in the bird world.
- They were once commonly known as 'hedge sparrows', despite not being related to true sparrows.
- Dunnocks can raise up to three broods in a single breeding season.
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