Dunnock

🔍 Overview

A shy, understated passerine of Sussex gardens and shrubberies. Often mistaken for a sparrow, but with a skittish, furtive nature.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Size: Small (14 cm)

Plumage: Brown-streaked back, grey head, breast and throat

Distinctive Marks: Plain grey face with thin bill

Bill: Slender

Tail: Medium

Flight: Low and direct

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Widespread in gardens, hedges, and woodland edges across Sussex year-round.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Soft twittery song—thin “tsee-tsee-tsee.” Often skulking at ground level.

🍴 Diet

Insects, spiders, seeds.

📸 Birding Tip

Look for tiny, nervous movements in undergrowth or hedge bases—often near the ground.