EP 38 The Dunnock (Hedge Sparrow) - Bird Song

The Dunnock, also known as the Hedge Sparrow, is a small passerine bird that is common throughout Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is a small bird, measuring about 14 cm in length, and has a plump body with a rounded head and a short tail. The Dunnock has a brown-grey plumage, which is streaked and mottled with darker brown and grey. It has a thin, pointed beak, and its legs and feet are brown.
The male and female Dunnock look very similar, with the only distinguishing feature being that the male has a slightly darker plumage during the breeding season. The juveniles have a more mottled and streaked appearance than the adults, and their plumage is generally lighter in colour.
The Dunnock is a common sight in gardens, parks, and hedgerows, where it feeds on insects, spiders, and seeds. It prefers habitats with plenty of undergrowth, such as dense bushes, hedges, and brambles. It is known to be a solitary bird, but during the breeding season, it forms pairs and can be seen hopping and flitting around the undergrowth.
In summary, the Dunnock or Hedge Sparrow is a small, plump bird with brown-grey plumage that is streaked and mottled with darker brown and grey. The male and female look very similar, with the only distinguishing feature being that the male has a slightly darker plumage during the breeding season. It prefers habitats with plenty of undergrowth, such as dense bushes, hedges, and brambles, and feeds on insects, spiders, and seeds.