Dunnock

The dunnock (Prunella modularis) is a small passerine bird in the accentor family found primarily across Europe and into parts of Asia. This bird typically measures 13.5–14.5 cm (5.3-5.7 in) in length, with a wingspan of 19–21 cm (7.5-8.3 in) and weighs around 20 grams (0.7 oz). It is characterized by its drab plumage, which aids in camouflage; the adults have a grey head, brown wings, and a bluish-grey breast. There are subtle variations in plumage across different populations, primarily distinguished by slight differences in the shade of grey and brown. One distinct feature of dunnocks compared to similar species, like the house sparrow (Passer domesticus), is their finer beak and more streaked appearance.

Dunnocks inhabit a variety of environments but show a strong preference for dense undergrowth where they can hide and forage. Typical habitats include deciduous and mixed forests, hedgerows, gardens, and sometimes more open landscapes with ample ground cover. Their diet primarily consists of insects, spiders, and small invertebrates during the breeding season, complemented by seeds and berries in the autumn and winter months. Their foraging behavior is rather discreet, as they typically search for food on the ground under cover of thick vegetation.

Dunnocks are generally sedentary birds, but populations in the northern and eastern parts of their range may migrate southward for the winter. These migrations are relatively short-distance, typically moving from colder regions to more temperate areas to escape harsh winters, then returning to their breeding grounds in the spring.

The breeding season of the dunnock begins in early spring. This species has a unique social and breeding structure that involves complex relationships between males and females, often forming breeding units that can include one female and multiple males, or vice versa. They build a neat, concealed nest low in bushes or dense shrubbery, usually from twigs, moss, and leaves lined with hair. Females typically lay 3 to 5 eggs per clutch, which they incubate for about 12–13 days. The chicks are altricial and depend on their parents for feeding for about two weeks post-hatching, gaining independence shortly after.

The dunnock is currently listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List. Despite facing threats from habitat loss and degradation in parts of its range, the species remains widespread and abundant, with a stable population trend in many areas. The species is introduced and widespread in New Zealand.