8-11-2017 HANNINGFIELD RESERVOIR, ESSEX - BRITISH DUNNOCK (Prunella modularis ssp. occidentalis),

The dunnock (Prunella modularis) is a small passerine, or perching bird. It is the most widespread member of the accentor family.

he dunnock has a drab appearance which may have evolved to avoid predation. It is brownish underneath and has a fine-pointed bill. Adults have a grey head, and both sexes are similarly colored. Unlike any similar-sized small brown bird, dunnocks frequently flick with their wings, especially during territorial disputes or when competing for mating rights. This gives rise to one of their common names, "shufflewing".

unnocks are native to large areas of Eurasia, inhabiting much of Europe including Lebanon, northern Iran, and the Caucasus. They are partially migratory; some populations are resident while birds in northern and eastern parts of the range are migratory. Dunnocks favor habitats that include forests, woodlands, shrubs, gardens, parks, and hedgerows.

Dunnocks are active during the day typically feeding on the ground. They are usually seen alone, but sometimes, may join foraging flocks. Dunnocks are territorial, especially during the breeding season, and may engage in conflict with other birds that encroach upon their nests. Males sometimes share a territory and exhibit a strict dominance hierarchy; older birds tend to be the dominant males and first-year birds are usually sub-dominant. Female territorial ranges are almost always exclusive. However, sometimes, multiple males may cooperate to defend a single territory containing multiple females. The main call of dunnocks is a shrill, persistent 'tseep' along with a high trilling note, which betrays the bird's otherwise inconspicuous presence. The song is rapid, thin, and tinkling, a sweet warble that can be confused with that of the Eurasian wren but is shorter and weaker.