Prunella modularis, Dunnock

Common Name: Dunnock

Prunella modularis, more commonly known as the Dunnock, is approximately 14cm in length and has a plumage of dull, mottled brown above with greyish head and breast and streaked flanks. Often called a hedge sparrow, probably because of its superficial resemblance to female house sparrows, although the House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) has a much stouter seed-eater's bill and lacks the greyish colouring of the Dunnock.

Usually calls a thin, high-pitched "tseep-tseep-tseep", but also has quite a melodious song when required. Their food, consisting mainly of insects, spiders and small seeds, is usually gathered on the ground. Will come to the bird table, but generally prefers to gather scraps that have fallen to the floor below the table.

Nest in a cup of twigs, leaves, and other vegetation, lined with hair and moss, built by both sexes in a dense bush or hedge. Found almost anywhere with plenty of cover including heaths, parks and gardens. One of the commonest of our suburban birds and resident throughout the UK.

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