The Dunnock..
The Dunnock, also known as the Hedge Sparrow, is a common little bird who often escapes notice. It could easily be mistaken for a Sparrow, but unlike the Sparrow it has a lovely song that can rival the Robin or the Wren. In fact it used to be known as 'the Irish Nightingale'. Also, unlike the Sparrow, it has a thin pointed beak best suited for catching insects.
Unlike Sparrows too, the Dunnock is a solitary bird holding its own territory. Dunnocks, both female and male, are not monogamous and often mate with more than one other bird. Where territories overlap they may even cooperate in feeding the young of neighbouring dunnocks.
The Dunnock builds its nest from April onward low in dense hedgerows of briars and Ivy.
They forage for insects close to the ground and can sometimes be seen feeding on seeds that have dropped for bird tables.
