About the Dunnock
The dunnock is a small passerine, or perching bird, found throughout temperate Europe and into Asian Russia. Dunnocks have also been introduced and become common in New Zealand. It is the most widespread member of the accentor family; most other accentors are limited to mountain habitats. Other, largely archaic, English names for the dunnock include hedge accentor, hedge sparrow, hedge warbler, and titling.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
A robin-sized bird, the dunnock typically measures 13–14.5 cm (5.1–5.7 in) in length. It has a brown back streaked blackish, somewhat resembling a small house sparrow. Like that species, the dunnock has a drab appearance which may have evolved as camouflage to avoid predation. It is brownish underneath, and has a fine pointed bill. Adults have a dull grey head, and both sexes are similarly coloured; juveniles are browner on the head, looser, 'fluffy' feathering, and more obviously streaked overall.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Dunnock sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Morocco, Algeria, Kuwait, Libya.
When to see it
Peak activity in April · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Alpine AccentorPrunella collarisThis is a robin-sized bird at 15–17.5 cm (5.9–6.9 in) in length, slightly larger than its relative, the dunnock.
Rufous-breasted AccentorPrunella strophiataThe rufous-breasted accentor is passerine bird in the family Prunellidae, endemic to the Himalayas, descending in the winter to lower-to-middle altitudes.
Siberian AccentorPrunella montanellaThe Siberian accentor is on average 14.5 centimetres (5.7 in) long and weighs 17.5 grams (0.62 oz).
Learn the Dunnock for real
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