Dunnock (Prunella modularis)
Dunnock (Prunella modularis)

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.

Key ID Features:
A small, grey brown bird often seen feeding under bird tables.
Generally brown, streaked body with greyish neck, throat and breast below a grey streaked brown head.
A brown eye is complimented by orange- brown legs.
Slightly undulating, high pitched song repeated frequently.

Overview
Scientific name: Prunella modularis
Family: Accentors (Prunellidae)

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.

Seen in UK:
October to March.

What they eat
Insects, spiders, worms and seeds.

Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
For more information click here

Photographer: Tim Tapley

Dunnock (Prunella modularis)

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.

Key ID Features:
A small, grey brown bird often seen feeding under bird tables.
Generally brown, streaked body with greyish neck, throat and breast below a grey streaked brown head.
A brown eye is complimented by orange- brown legs.
Slightly undulating, high pitched song repeated frequently.

Overview
Scientific name: Prunella modularis
Family: Accentors (Prunellidae)

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.

Seen in UK:
October to March.

What they eat
Insects, spiders, worms and seeds.

Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
For more information click here

Photographer: Tim Tapley