Sunday 13 March 2016

Dunnock.



The Dunnock (Prunella modularis), also known as the 'Hedge Sparrow', is described as a small, plain looking brown and grey member of the Accentors family that tends to go unnoticed as it nervously forages beneath bushes and shrubs both in gardens and the wider countryside.

However its drab plumage and quiet, unobtrusive manner belies its actual social and sexual behaviours which you can read more about HERE. [An article written by Mike Toms].



This species is also commonly ‘brood parasitised’ by the Cuckoo and way back in 2004 I was fortunate to witness a Dunnock feeding a juvenile Cuckoo in the gardens at RHS Wisley.








The typical lifespan of a Dunnock is only two years and their breeding season runs from March to August. I have recently started to hear its even pitch, shuttling song which is often described as sounding like a 'squeaking gate'.




Linking to: Wild Bird Wednesday.

11 comments:

  1. Hello Frank1:) Lovely shots of the Dunnock, and what a great capture of the Dunnock feeding the Cuckoo, ...not something you see every day.

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  2. How AMAZING the wee little one feeding the so much larger Cuckoo, and that you were blessed to capture this back when you did, how wonderful. Thank you for your comment last week. I took a little bit of a turn, but I am back and starting fresh again. One day at a time, right? Happy week Frank~

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  3. Some wonderful images, thanks for sharing.

    All the best Jan

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  4. I was serenaded by a dunnock as I left my flat this afternoon, singing away. Not usual to see them as out in the open as this one was

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  5. Wonderful pictures! Like the song too :)

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  6. Love this...because we pretty much call all small birds "wrens" or "finches". Such a beauty!

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  7. Great shot of the Dunnock feeding the Cuckoo, a behaviour which I am sure few people ever see.

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  8. Fantastic photo: the Dunnock feeding a juvenile Cuckoo!

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  9. Interesting photos and narrative about this little unassuming bird with a squeaky song. Its size in comparison to the baby cuckoo is amazing.

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  10. What a wonderful bird...one I had not heard of before! Loved your photos and the bird song audio! That second picture is AMAZING!!! What an incredible moment!

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