Dunnock

The dunnock (Prunella modularis) may have a good claim to be the commonest UK bird that most people have never seen! Or possibly, it could be that they have seen dunnocks but not realised that they have done so.

This paradox boils down to several facts. One is that the dunnock is of similar size and appearance to the house sparrow, and so might easily be mistaken for one, but, more importantly, the dunnock’s habits make it far less likely to be seen, even though its numbers are in the same bracket as those of the house sparrow.

Dunnocks, which are also known as hedge sparrows, are resident throughout virtually the whole United Kingdom, with only the mountains of Scotland being out of their range. They are also common in mainland Europe, although many birds are migratory between northern and southern Europe.

Dunnocks are found in gardens, overgrown cemeteries, farmland with hedges, open woodland and moorlands. They rarely stray far from cover and often stay hidden in undergrowth.

Despite the large numbers of dunnocks known to breed in the UK, the species has amber conservation status as a bird whose future is not assured, due to falling numbers or environmental threats.


Appearance and behaviour

Male and female dunnocks are very similar in appearance, being about 14-15 centimetres (5.5 inches) long. The dunnock is sparrow-like in shape, with the same longish tail but with a longer and more slender bill. The plumage is noticeably blue-grey on the head and chest, although the back, wings and tail are brown. The flanks are streaked grey and brown. It is generally drab to look at and well-camouflaged in its usual environment. The eyes are red to brown.

The dunnock does not count as a “frequent flyer”, its flights being generally low and undulating and of short distance. It prefers to hop or shuffle along the ground, usually on its own, always wary and ready to move into cover if threatened. If a male dunnock meets another it will become more animated, flicking its wings and calling.

It has a very pleasant song, with high warbles and piping notes, although its repeated high notes have been described as sounding like a squeaky tea-trolley.

Dunnocks feed on insects, larvae and spiders, with seeds and berries added during the autumn.


Breeding

The dunnock builds quite a large nest, using whatever materials are available locally, such as small spruce branches, plants stems or nettles, usually lined with moss. The nest will be built in dense undergrowth or among the branches of young trees.

The clutch of four or five eggs is laid at any time from April to July. They are incubated, mostly by the hen dunnock, for up to 14 days. The young birds will leave the nest at 12-14 days and are able to fend for themselves very soon afterwards. A second brood is common, or even a third.

© John Welford