Psilos Bird Photography |
Dunnock (Prunella modularis) |
Also commonly known as the Hedge Sparrow,
it is not actually a sparrow at all, but is infact related to the Accentor
group of birds. A very shy, often solitary skulking bird which appears
to have a nervous twitch to its tail. This is a bird that is all too
often overlooked. It has a beautiful long drawn out warbler like song.
The sexes are alike. Most gardens will have a resident pair of Dunnocks
though most people may not notice that it is there. The identification
of Dunnocks can often cause some confusion as depending on the light
they are seen in their colour can look quite different. This is best
shown in the photos below. |
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Juvenile Dunnocks can cause some confusion when
they fledge. Their breast is heavily streaked and they are browner than
the greyer parents. On first glance they closely resemble young robins.
As they mature their plumage gets greyer but yellow gapes are always
a tell tale since that they are fledglings. |
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