Dunnock
Prunella modularis
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
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
Share your thoughtsBird 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.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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?
- 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.
Similar Birds
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Prunella modularis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22718651A132118966.
View source - 3
report, 2015: EBCC
- 2
website, 2015: BirdLife International Species factsheet: Dunnock Prunella modularis.
View source
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