| Also known as the Hedge sparrow (although not in fact a sparrow
at all), the Dunnock is a small, quiet and unobtrusive bird. Both sexes
are alike, slightly smaller and slimmer than a House Sparrow it appears
to be a small brown bird. Closer inspection reveal a blue-grey head and
breast, brown upper-parts, neatly streaked with black, and pink legs. The
young have brown streaks on the head and chest instead of grey. It likes
heavy cover such as hedges, thickets, edges of wood and scrub. It is a ground
feeder and often visits gardens where it will pick up the crumbs beneath
a bird feeder table. The hen bird builds a cup-shaped nest from twigs and
moss, usually in dense shrubs and trees. Cuckoos often lay their eggs in
a Dunnock nest. Move mouse over photograph to see another Dunnock in the
very different environment of Dartmoor. |
