View all results

Dunnock

Prunella modularis

Least Concern
A relatively nondescript and unobtrusive species, the Dunnock is a common bird with a fascinating breeding strategy.
Share this bird:

Visual Identification

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.

Size

Length

13cm to 14.5cm

Wingspan

19cm to 21cm

Weight

19g to 24g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Brown Grey

Secondary Colour

Black White

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Pink

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Dunnock can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Dunnock can be found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Dunnock is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Dunnock is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Dunnock can be found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Dunnock can be found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Dunnock is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Dunnock is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Dunnock is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Dunnock is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Dunnock is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Dunnock is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 3,000 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subarctic

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Dunnock. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
  • Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
  • This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

  • More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
  • How birds move around during different seasons
© 2024 - Birdfact
Resident
Breeding
Non-breeding
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year
Algeria Andorra Austria Azerbaijan Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Czech Republic Denmark Egypt Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iran Ireland Israel Italy Kazakhstan Lebanon Libya Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia Morocco Netherlands Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland The United Kingdom Tunisia Turkey Ukraine
Species that are present in the area during their breeding season
Albania Armenia Belarus Bosnia and Herzegovina Georgia Latvia Liechtenstein Montenegro New Zealand Norway Russia Serbia
Species that are present in the area outside their breeding season
Cyprus Gibraltar Iraq Jordan Malta Syria
Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range
Faroe Islands Iceland Kuwait Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!

Share your thoughts

Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:
  • Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
  • Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
  • Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
  • Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
  • Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

  • 0-20: Very Low
  • 21-40: Low
  • 41-60: Average
  • 61-80: High
  • 81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 75

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Dunnock displays considerable agility, particularly in its quick, shuffling movements whilst foraging on the ground. Its ability to navigate through dense vegetation and hedgerows also suggests a high degree of nimbleness.

Strength 30

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

As a small bird weighing between 19-24 grams, the Dunnock's strength is relatively limited. However, it possesses sufficient strength for its size to forage effectively and construct nests.

Adaptability 85

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Dunnocks exhibit remarkable adaptability, thriving in various habitats from woodlands to urban gardens, and across a wide elevation range from sea level to 3,000 metres. Their complex mating systems and ability to adjust their diet seasonally further demonstrate their adaptability.

Aggressiveness 40

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

While generally unassuming, Dunnocks display some aggressive behaviours, particularly during territorial disputes where males engage in song battles. Their complex mating systems may also involve competitive interactions, but they are not known for being overtly aggressive birds.

Endurance 60

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Dunnocks show moderate endurance, being able to forage actively throughout the day and undertake short-distance migrations. Their ability to raise up to three broods in a single breeding season also suggests a decent level of stamina. However, their small size limits their overall endurance compared to larger birds.

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.

Vocalisation

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 and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

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.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

25,400,000 - 43,500,000 mature individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

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

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Hedge Sparrow, Hedge Accentor

Family:

Prunellidae

Average Lifespan

2 to 3 years

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.

Did You Know?

  1. Dunnocks have one of the most complex mating systems in the bird world.
  2. They were once commonly known as 'hedge sparrows', despite not being related to true sparrows.
  3. Dunnocks can raise up to three broods in a single breeding season.

References

  1. 1

    website: BirdLife International. 2018. Prunella modularis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22718651A132118966.

    View source
  2. 3

    report, 2015: EBCC

  3. 2

    website, 2015: BirdLife International Species factsheet: Dunnock Prunella modularis.

    View source

Share Your Feedback

We value your opinion! Let us know what you think about this bird page.

Thank you for your feedback! We appreciate your input.