Dunnock

A fast, high-pitched, rather monotone series of thin, tinkling notes lasting 2–3 seconds, delivered from hedge tops or low perch.

Year-round resident across most of temperate Europe and parts of western Asia; largely sedentary, with only limited altitudinal or local movements.

Thick hedgerows, garden shrubbery, bramble patches, woodland edges and scrubby moorland where dense cover is available.

Territorial song peaks late winter to early spring; breeding March-August, raising up to three broods. Post-breeding moult August-September; joins loose winter feeding flocks thereafter.

The Dunnock—also known as the Hedge Accentor or Hedge Sparrow—is a small, shy passerine often seen flitting low in undergrowth. Though superficially drab, its subtle grey-and-brown plumage masks a life of surprisingly complex social behaviour, including polyandry and cooperative breeding.