Dunnock,Prunella modularis

There are so many Dunnock's  of different ages in the garden  now.

Latin name

Prunella modularis

Family

Accentors (Prunellidae)

Overview

A small brown and grey bird. Quiet and unobtrusive, it is often seen on its own, creeping along the edge of a flower bed or near to a bush, moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait, often flicking its wings as it goes. When two rival males come together they become animated with lots of wing-flicking and loud calling.

The sexes are very alike, though the female is a little drabber.

Juveniles lack the grey on head and chest, instead they have brown streaks.

Where to see them

Inhabits any well vegetated areas with scrub, brambles and hedges. Look in deciduous woodland, farmland edges, parks and gardens. Keeps largely on the ground and often close to cover.

When to see them

All year round.

What they eat

Insects, spiders, worms and seeds.

Estimated numbers

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
-	2,163,000 territories	-	-