Hedge Sparrow or Dunnock Prunella modularis feeding young cuckoo Cuculus canorus in the nest at about two weeks old
The Dunnock (Prunella modularis) is a small passerine bird found throughout temperate Europe and into Asia. It is by far the most widespread member of the accentor family, which otherwise consists of mountain species. It is sometimes called the Hedge Accentor, or Hedge Sparrow The name "dunnock" comes from the Ancient British *dunnākos, meaning "little brown one". Quiet and unobtrusive, it is often seen on its own, creeping along the edge of a flower bed or near to a bush, moving with a rather nervous, shuffling gait, often flicking its wings as it goes. When two rival males come together they become animated with lots of wing-flicking and loud calling. It builds a neat nest low in a bush or conifer, laying 3-5 unspotted blue eggs. It is a host of the Common Cuckoo. It is likely that this association is recent, since other Cuckoo hosts have learned to discriminate between eggs, and the Cuckoo has consequently evolved eggs that match those of its host. In the case of the Dunnock, there is no resemblance, yet the Cuckoo eggs are accepted.
Size: 5176px × 4787px
Location: Norfolk England UK
Photo credit: © Ernie Janes / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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