Dunnock (Prunella modularis) Species Guide: Appearance, Diet, Habitat, Behavior, Stats, And Conservation Status

Species Guide: Dunnock (Prunella modularis)
Family: Prunellidae

Appearance

When viewed from a distance, dunnocks may appear as unremarkable birds with predominantly brown plumage. However, a closer examination reveals more distinguishing features. As well as brown, they have a grey breast and head, alongside dark streaks on their wings. 

Dunnocks are frequently mistaken for house sparrows due to a superficial resemblance. The primary method for differentiating the two species is based on the morphology of their beaks. A dunnock possesses a slender, pointed bill, which is adapted for foraging in leaf litter, whereas a house sparrow features a broader and more robust bill, suited for cracking seeds. Furthermore, behavioral patterns provide additional distinction; dunnocks are generally seen in solitary or paired forms, foraging quietly on the ground, in contrast to the more social nature of house sparrows, which are typically observed in larger flocks and exhibit more vocal behavior.

Dunnock males and females are very similar in appearance. Males usually have slightly darker heads and can be more colorful, especially during the breeding season. But unless you see a male and female together, they are notoriously difficult to identify.

Diet

The primary diet of the Dunnock consists of insects and invertebrates; however, they will also consume seeds, especially during the winter.

Habitat

A Woodland bird that adapted to a range of natural habitats other than at higher altitudes. They appear in their highest densities in villages, towns, and on pastoral land.

Behavior

Dunnocks have a shy demeanor and are frequently observed on the ground, concealed beneath low vegetation, which has resulted in the colloquial designation of ‘hedge sparrow.’ Prior to the breeding season, males can be located on elevated perches, where they produce a repetitive, high-pitched vocalization.

The breeding behavior of the dunnock is notably different compared to many avian species. Unlike the majority of birds, female dunnocks frequently engage in mating with multiple males, resulting in broods wherein the offspring may have differing paternal lineages. In certain instances, two males may collaborate to share a female, jointly defending a territory against competing rivals. This strategy proves advantageous for the female, as the involvement of both males enhances the likelihood of successful chick rearing.

Dunnocks construct their nests in dense vegetation, utilizing materials such as twigs and moss. Typically, females lay four to five eggs between late April and June. The incubation period lasts approximately two weeks, after which the chicks fledge two weeks later.

Did You Know? Dunnocks are one of the favorite targets of the Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus), which will deposit eggs within a dunnock nest. Once hatched, the cuckoo chick expels any dunnock eggs or chicks, thereby ensuring that it receives the undivided attention of its surrogate parents.

Biometrics¹

Natural Predators

Sparrowhawks are their major threat. Additionally, because Dunnocks nest close to the ground, their nests are vulnerable to a range of ground-based predators such as the domestic cat, pine marten, & foxes.

Conservation Status

The abundance of Dunnocks experienced a significant decline from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s. Although some recovery has been observed in the United Kingdom since the late 1990s, the species continues to be listed as amber, but remains least concern from a global viewpoint. The cause of decline remains unclear, though loss of woodland and hedgerows is thought to be the major contributing factor.

U.K.
Conservation Status

Global
Conservation Status

CITATIONS

1. Dunnock | British Trust for Ornithology [Accessed 14/06/2025] ↩︎

REFERENCES

1. Golley, Mark. Field Guide to the Birds of Britain and Ireland, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, 2016. ProQuest Ebook Central. [Accessed 14/06/2025]