Prunella modularis

The Dunnock is similar in size to the House Sparrow, though it is a sleeker bird with a fine bill. The plumage is rather drab, being a mixture of grey on the head and chest and brown elsewhere. The upperparts and flank are streaked with warm-brown tones. Dunnocks are usually seen foraging on the ground, shuffling about ‘mouse-like’ in search of food, the tail moving nervously. Young birds have olive-brown eyes, these developing a stunning mahogany-red colour when the young birds reach their first Christmas. Although some people still refer to the Dunnock as ‘Hedge Sparrow’, the Dunnock is no Sparrow. Instead it belongs to a family called the accentors. Originating in the Himalayas these are cover-loving insectivorous birds with sharp, pointed bills.