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Dunnock: Prunella accentors

This small, shy, brown and grey bird – the size of a robin – can often be spotted creeping along the ground near flower beds and bushes, flicking its wings as it shuffles along. 

Also known as a hedge sparrow, the dunnock measures 14cm and lives on a diet of insects, spiders, worms and seeds. Its bill is slender and pointed, not at all like a sparrow’s, and, unlike a sparrow that lives in a flock, the dunnock is usually alone or in a pair.

When two male birds meet, they display animated, territorial behaviour, calling and wing flicking. Male and females form strong bonds. The female will not remain monogamous, but will mate with other males, so none knows who the father is and they will each bring food for her chicks.

Dunnocks build their nests from twigs and moss in hedges or dense vegetation, laying up to five eggs in several broods from late April to June. Chicks will hatch after two weeks and fledge a couple of weeks later.

Unfortunately, dunnocks are often targeted by the cuckoo, which lays its eggs in the smaller bird’s nest. The cuckoo chick will then proceed to push out the dunnock eggs and chicks so that it is the sole recipient of attention from its surrogate parents. 

Dunnocks love: Henry Bell Superior Seed Mix, No Mess Mix, Sunflower Seeds, Nyger Seeds

Dunnock: Prunella accentors
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