Author: Sadiqua @ InsideMyNest

Dunnocks are very shy and timid little passerine birds that are found throughout the British Isles. If you have walked in an area with hedgerows, you might have seen a little brown bird chirping around. More likely than not, you may have even mistaken it for a house sparrow. For all you know, it could have been an amber-listed bird called a dunnock. If you want to know more about where most dunnocks are in the UK, then you might want to continue reading.

About Dunnocks

Unless you look closely, it can be hard to tell a dunnock and a house sparrow apart because their physical differences are close to indistinguishable. The two weigh almost the same and display the same colours – warm tones and gray.

The dunnock’s scientific name is Prunella modularis, while the house sparrow’s scientific name is Passer domesticus. Right off the bat, we know that one and the other do not belong in the same family, let alone the same order. Although the dunnock is also known as the “hedge sparrow,” it is not considered a sparrow. Instead, it belongs to a family called the Accentors. Its name literally means little brown bird as it was derived from Old English.

Its length is 14-15 cm with a wingspan of 19-21 cm. Its weight usually ranges from 16-25 grams. When you see one from afar, its colour appears to be just brown, but when you get a closer look, you’ll see that it has a gray head and chest with some black streaks on the wings. Compared to the house sparrow, its bill is thinner and pointier.

Dunnocks feed on small invertebrates such as insects and some arachnids like ants and spiders. However, during the winter season, they feed themselves with berries and seeds.

Where To Spot Dunnocks in the UK

Almost 2.5 million pairs of dunnocks are found in the UK according to the team at BBC Wildlife Magazine. Currently, their conservation status in the UK is Amber which means that this species is of moderate concern in terms of its extinction in Europe. With The Wildlife and Countryside Act, these species are protected and are naturally found in habitats like woodlands, farmlands, grasslands, and in urban and suburban areas. With this being said, let’s map out where Dunnocks are found all over the United Kingdom.

1. Woodlands

When geographers attempt to describe a forest with trees that do not overlap, they call it forest woodlands. Sometimes, the woodlands are found in between two different ecosystems. As a forest, woodlands are full of trees and have an open space that provides the perfect environment for invertebrates, plants, and birds.

Let us put our minds into the dunnocks. As we have learned from our biology classes, one of the core themes of the subject is reproduction. Species reproduce. Birds need nests for them to lay their eggs and raise their little ones. These species usually make their nests in trees and bushes. So, of course, as dunnocks, they want the best for their offspring. They need an environment where there are a lot of possible locations to build a nest. Let’s also remember that woodlands are an environment where insects thrive, and insects are a huge portion of the dunnocks’ diet.

The latest woodlands statistics produced by Forest Research stated that the United Kingdom has 3.24 million hectares of woodland. They can be found all over England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. So, if you were looking to see dunnocks for yourself, you can go to the North of England to places like Chesire, Cumbria, County Durham, Lancashire, Northumberland, and Yorkshire. You can also find them in the Midlands like West Midlands County, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, and others. They can also be found in the East and Southeast of England with places like Essex, Bedfordshire, Suffolk, and Norfolk, and Buckinghamshire, Kent, Sussex, and Surrey respectively. There are also some in the southwest.

Some of the places where dunnocks can be found in Scotland are Angus, Argyll and Bute, Dumfries and Galloway, Fife, Stirling, and some other places in Scotland. There are also some in places in Wales like Caerfyrddin, Conwy, Gwynedd, Powys, and more. Parts of Northern Ireland also have Dunnocks around them. 

2. Grasslands

A grassland is literally what it sounds like. A land full of open areas of grass, and sometimes with a few trees scattered around. A grassland is maintained with a low precipitation rate, wildland fires, and animal grazing. According to the website of Woodland Trust, 40% of the United Kingdom is covered by grasslands. So, you can literally find them anywhere in the UK.

Grasslands are a suitable environment for dunnocks. They feel safe and secure in this environment making it ideal for them to build their nests. A lot of insects also thrive in this habitat which makes hunting for food a lot easier.

If you are looking to find a dunnock in a grassland area in the United Kingdom, some of the many grasslands include Angel and Greyhound Meadow in Oxford, Beltingham River Shingle, Berryhill Fields, Brotheridge Green Nature Reserve, Burnfoot River Shingle, and Wydon Nabb, and Christ Church Meadow in Oxford. There are also Dunsdon National Nature Reserve, Hollybed Farm Meadows, Boynton Moss, Mill Meadows in Henley-on-Thames, Mottey Meadows, and North Meadow in Cricklade. Dunnocks can also be found in Port Meadow in Oxford, Portway Hill, Pulborough Brooks, Rackenford and Knowstone Moors, Runnymede, Warneford Meadow, Whitelee Moor, and Wolvercote Common. 

3. Farmlands

We all know what a farm looks like unless you have been living in the big cities your whole life. Farmland is a piece of land where you can find livestock being raised and food grown. Most of them have the equipment to help farmers with their work. It is dedicated to doing the agricultural processes for food production and other crops.

With a place where growing food and plants is the main priority, species will definitely thrive here, including dunnocks. With the amount of food being produced, the habitat is enough for these adult birds to provide for their offspring. On farmlands, there are also trees where fruits grow. So, the creation of their nests is easy. Considering farmlands as a diverse habitat, dunnocks will absolutely enjoy their stay here.

Farmlands cover 72% of the United Kingdom, and just like grasslands, you can find them anywhere, especially in rural locations. The farmlands in the UK measure 17.6 million hectares, and the UK measures about 24.2 million hectares. So, imagine that you can drive a little bit to a rural area wherever you are in the UK to hunt for the amber-listed dunnock birds.

4. Urban and suburban areas

Aside from the locations we have talked about above, dunnocks can also be seldomly seen flying around urban and suburban areas anywhere in the United Kingdom, especially with very dense vegetation. These areas may be close to the habitats we discussed earlier. So, if you’re lucky enough to be in an area close to where dunnocks thrive, then you can just go outside and look for the little brown birds.

Conclusion

In the UK, you can find the dunnocks all year round in areas like woodlands, grasslands, and farmlands, and rarely in urban and suburban areas. They can be found in the North, East, Southeast, and Midlands of England. They can also be seen in some parts of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The amber-listed birds can be found in places with rich vegetation and a diverse ecosystem. For them to lay their eggs and feed their offspring, they prefer places where they can build their nests and where they can get lots of insects and seeds as their food. If you’re in an area that has a lot of trees, bushes, and other vegetation, you might be able to spot one of these little birds!

Some of the most popular garden birds in the United Kingdom are the tits. Tits are known for their rounded bodies, short bills, and short legs. They are extremely active birds and are usually seen hunting for insects or other delicacies.

There are eight species of tits found in and across the UK; however, the two most common species are the Blue Tit and the Great Tit. Both birds look similar and are easily identifiable by their petite stature, bright plumage, and signature white cheeks. However, some striking differences between them make it effortless to tell them apart.  

What is the Difference Between the Eurasian Blue Tit and the Great Tit?

The Eurasian Blue Tit is a small bird that grows about 12cm in length, while the Great Tit is slightly larger and grows up to 14cm in length. The pattern of their plumage is similar; however, the Great Tit lacks the bright blue wings that earned the Blue Tit its name. Instead, the Great Tit’s wings are a muted greenish-grey colour. In addition, the stripe on the chest of the Blue Tit is much more subtle and does not connect from the head to the legs like the stripe of the Great Tit. The stripe on the Great Tit’s chest is bold and unmistakable. 

Not only do these two birds differ physically, but they display very different behaviours as well. Blue tits are usually seen in much larger groups than Great Tits. Blue Tits are highly active birds, always seeking out food and darting around. Great Tits, on the other hand, are calmer and prefer to search for their food along the ground. 

Both the Blue Tit and Great Tit are very vocal birds; however, their calls are very distinct. The Blue Tit’s call sounds more like a high-pitched whistle that trills at the end, while the Great Tit’s call is a two-note song. Blue Tits are also known for its churring alarm call that sound incredibly angry. Both birds have additional vocals that sound like those of other birds. 

A bit More detail on the Blue Tit & the Great Tit… 

Eurasian Blue Tit

Blue Tits are small and grow up to 12cm. They have a lifespan of about three years; however, the record for the oldest Blue Tit is ten years and three months. 

Blue Tit’s earned their name from the colour of their plumage. They sport a blue cap on their white heads with white cheeks and a blueish black stripe across their eyes. They have a black neckband that is slightly wider in males than in females. Avertical black stripe starts in the middle of their yellow chest and trails down through the belly to their legs. This stipe is thin and more subtle than the stripe of the Great Tit. Blue Tits sport greenish backs with blue wings and tails. They have black billswith a highlight of white, bluish-grey legs, and dark brown and black irises.

The Blue Tit’s signature call sounds like ‘tsee-tsee-tsee-di-di-di-di.’ The first part sounds like a high-pitched whistle and trills at the end. They also have a churring alarm that sounds incredibly angry compared to their small bodies. 

Blue Tits are social birds and are often seen in flocks composed of several different species of birds, especially while eating at bird feeders. Blue Tits are very active and acrobatic. They can be found dangling upside down on branches while hunting for their food. When eating from feeders, they will grab a seed and retreat to their favourite perch to enjoy their meal. These birds are known for their extremely active lifestyles and are always on the move. 

Blue Tits are widespread across the United Kingdom, except in the Northern and Western Isles. Blue Tits are one of the most common birds in urban and suburban gardens. They are popular in broadleaved woodlands, parks, and hedgerows. You will find Blue Tits anywhere there are trees and bushes for them to find food in and breed. 

Blue Tits are active feeders and eat seeds, nuts, insects, and spiders. They are often seen eating from bird feeders or searching out prey in the most unusual places. They prefer to feed their chicks caterpillars as they are rich in nutrients. 

Great Tit 

Great tits are the largest tit species in the United Kingdom. They can grow as large as 14cm. They have a lifespan of about three years; however, the record for the oldest Great Tit is thirteen years and eleven months.

The Great Tit’s colour pattern is similar to the Blue Tit’s colours. They have a black head and white cheeks. Their black colour spans a thick black line down the centre of their chest down to their legs. On either side of the black line, their chest and bellies are yellow in colour. Their wings are greenish-grey to black,while their tails are blueish-grey. Male and female birds look the same, but the males tend to be slightly brighter in colour when compared to a female. 

The Great Tit’s signature call is a two-note song, often describedas a ‘tea-cher, tea-cher’ song. While it may be similar to the Coal Tit’s song, it is lower and slower. Like other birds, they make a variety of different sounds as well.  

Great Tits are often spotted in pairs or on their own. They are known to be assertive, especially when food is involved. They prefer to stay in sheltered or covered areas, such as in trees or bushes instead of staying out in the open. Like Blue Tits, Great Tits will quickly grab a seed and fly away to eat it somewhere else. Unlike the Blue Tit, Great Tits are much less active. Instead of always flying around, they are more likely to search for food on the ground or in feeders. Great Tits are a resident species of bird. This means that they do not migrate or move around throughout the year. 

Great Tits prefer deciduous and conifer woodland areas; however, they are equally at home in urban and suburban gardens. As long as there are trees, the Great Tit will adapt well to the area. Due to their adaptability, the Great Tit’s range covers most of the United Kingdom, except for the low-tree areas, such as the Northern Isles. 

Great Tits will eat seeds and nuts from bird feeders or when they come across them in nature. They are also avid hunters and often seek out insects, particularly caterpillars. Great Tits will often gather food and fly off, leading experts to believe they stash some food for later.

Summary

Eurasian Blue Tits and Great Tits may look incredibly similar at first glance; however, with practice, you will be able to identify them easily. Remember to start by looking for the blue cap and wings, which is the signature of the Blue Tit. The Blue Tit also has a black stripe across the eyes as if it is wearing a mask. If it does not appear to have blue plumage or a stripe across the eyes, look at the stripe on the bird’s chest. If it is broad and prominent, starts at the bird’s chin, and trails down to the bird’s legs, it is a Great Tit. Most importantly, enjoy birdwatching and observing the habits and patterns of the birds in your garden.

Blue Tits are a fascinating bird to observe in the garden. There are approximately 3.5 million pairs of these adorable birds throughout the U.K. and Ireland. Blue Tits are therefore extremely common in rural settings, leaving many people wondering if they see the same birds annually.

Blue Tits are fairly indistinguishable from one another, except between male and female colourations, so determining if the Blue Tit that frequents your garden is the same one from a previous year is difficult. 

In general, Blue Tits do not migrate in the sense of long-distance movements. They have been known to travel great distances over their lifespan, but not in the same way that some birds migrate annually as a species. A Blue Tit may travel an average of 20 kilometres away from its home, but they are generally sedentary birds and will not leave the area in which they were hatched. However, Blue Tits that are hatched in northern regions, or climates that experience extreme cold in the winter, may migrate south for a while in the winter. 

When & Where Blue Tits Migrate

Blue Tits native to the U.K. only migrate in the winter, if they chose to migrate at all. The small percentage of Blue Tits that occasionally migrate, approximately 1.2%, move an average of 20 kilometres away from where they were hatched.

If you notice an influx of Blue Tits in your area, they are most likely northern European Blue Tits that made their way into the U.K. for a warmer winter. If a Blue Tit’s nesting ground is not warm enough during the winter, they will move down the road to survive.

Another reason that some Blue Tits travel during the winter is for food. If food is scarce they will set out in search of sustenance to make it through the colder months. 

Blue Tits That Don’t Migrate in Winter

The majority of Blue Tits do not migrate, as they are predominantly a sedentary bird species. Most of these birds will stay near the area in which they were hatched unless food and shelter are not available. If resources and protection are scarce, they will migrate an average of 20 kilometers away.

The main reason why most Blue Tits do not leave their nesting grounds is because of human influence. Blue Tits are huge fans of birdseed mixes, fat balls, and suet cakes that are offered by humans in their gardens. As long as feeders are filled year-round, Blue Tits will frequent them and, in some cases, rely on them as their main source of food.

Blue Tits will also shelter in man-made nesting boxes if any are available in your garden. It is recommended to place nesting boxes 2 to 4 meters off the ground and facing a northeast position. Although this recommendation is based on Blue Tit’s nesting habits, it is good for sheltering from winter weather as well. 

Do Blue Tits Migrate in Summer?

Generally, Blue Tits do not migrate in the summer months. If you are noticing a smaller number of Blue Tits in your area, it could be because they are feasting in the countryside.

Blue Tits will feast in the late-summer, early-autumn months on the abundant seeds and berries that can be found in the wilder areas of the region. They do this to stock up for the winter and create fat stores to help stave off the colder temperatures.

Although they might be missing from your garden, continue filling the feeders with Blue Tit’s favourite foods and they will return once they have had their fill. Since Blue Tits are fattening up for the winter months, it is recommended to put out suet cakes, peanuts, or fat balls to help them in their endeavours. They will certainly thank you with their acrobatics upon their return.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Blue Tits do not generally migrate as a species. There are a small number, approximately 1%, of Blue Tits that will occasionally migrate an average of 20 kilometers away from where they were hatched. Blue Tits are sedentary birds, so once they hatch they tend to stay in the same area for the rest of their lives. 

Although a Blue Tit’s average lifespan is 3 years, it is not uncommon to see the same family of Blue Tits and their subsequent generations year after year. The Blue Tits that do not migrate in the winter will rely heavily on any bird feeders in the garden. Their favourite foods include peanuts, suet cakes, and any type of wild bird seed mix. Ensure they have access to food and water throughout the winter months.

Additionally, Blue Tits will frequent man-made nesting boxes as long as they are placed in an ideal location for nesting the following spring. If you see a decline in the Blue Tit population around your garden in late summer, it could be because they are feasting in the wilder countryside to create fat stores for the winter.

Since Blue Tits do not migrate as a species, they will be back in your garden before the cold weather arrives.

Blue Tits are one of the most amusing garden birds to observe as they are very energetic and acrobatic. They hardly ever sit still while on a bird feeder and can often be seen contorting themselves to reach a specific seed. These little birds will hang, swing, and twist themselves around while eating.

Blue Tits are not particular about the type of food in a feeder, but they do favour peanuts for their fat content. In fact, Blue Tits are said to appear almost immediately upon providing peanuts in a garden. Although they love human-offered food, they are more than capable of fending for themselves.

In the wild, Blue Tits will consume a variety of small insects, spiders, caterpillars, and foraged fruits, seeds, and nuts. Caterpillars are the main diet of young Blue Tits, as they consume approximately 100 a day as hatchlings. Blue Tits that frequently visit the garden are easy to please and will consume any bird seed mixture or feed that is offered. Their favourite human-offered diet consists of mixed seed, peanuts in their shells, fat balls, and sunflower hearts.

During their breeding season, customarily in the month of March, they require a lot of fat in their diet. It is recommended to offer fat balls or suet cakes to help them keep their energy up for egg laying. 

Natural Diet

Blue Tits are variety consumers, meaning they will eat almost anything they can find. In fact, scientists have discovered that Blue Tits can consume more than 400 types of food prior to their breeding season. The main staple in a Blue Tit’s diet is moth caterpillars. This type of caterpillar is especially significant during the hatchling period of their life.

A hatchling Blue Tit can consume up to 100 moth caterpillars per day. These caterpillars typically emerge in early spring, so they are thought to signal the Blue Tits’ mating season. Other prey consumed by these birds include flies, wasps, beetles, millipedes, aphids, and spiders.

Blue Tits are not particular about the type of insect they will consume, but they tend to favour species that feed on sycamore and birch buds. They will also search for fruits, nuts, and seeds that naturally grow in the region. 

Human-Offered Diet

Blue Tits are easy to please and love to eat from feeders in the garden. Any type of seed mix is acceptable to them. They are fond of all season insect feast, insect and mealworm mix, mealworm feast, chopped peanuts, whole peanuts, shelled peanuts, live wax worms, and wild bird original mixes. Black sunflower seeds are a high-protein favourite too, as they appear to love pecking away the sunflower seed husk to get to the heart. These seed mixes are readily available at your local pet supply store, hardware store, or grocery store. 

During the winter and breeding season, fatty foods help them to sustain their energy levels and keep warm. Fat-dense foods include fruity fat balls, peanut cakes, suet pellets, mealworm fat balls, and suet cakes – with or without insect, fruit, or seed additions. Again, these types of bird feed can be found at your local pet supply, hardware, or grocery stores. Buying online is acceptable, but it generally costs more than purchasing local, due to shipping rates. 

Blue Tits are not picky eaters and will gladly consume any food that is offered in your garden. The best feeder to use for Blue Tits is a wire mesh feeder, although they will even eat off a table. The wire mesh feeder offers plenty of grip and encouragement for them to flaunt their acrobatics while feeding. These energetic birds can often be seen hanging upside down or contorting themselves on bird feeders. Be sure to regularly clean and disinfect the feeder regularly to reduce the transmission of disease. A common ailment of Blue Tits is a bacteria called Suttonella ornithocola, which can survive on feeders. 

Summary

In summary, Blue Tits are omnivores that are not particular about what they consume. They will eat almost any species of small insect in the wild. Their prey includes spiders, caterpillars, flies, larvae, wasps, beetles, and more. Blue Tits are also efficient at foraging for nuts and berries. They will easily find small seeds or berries in the winter that can help to sustain their energy levels until spring, when a great supply becomes available. 

In the garden, Blue Tits will eat anything that is offered and are not particular about the bird feeder used. They are very fond of sunflower hearts, peanuts, and suet. Fattier foods are of higher importance during the breeding season, typically the month of March, as the Blue Tits require a lot of energy for mating and egg laying.

The diet of hatchling Blue Tits consists mostly of moth caterpillars. A single hatchling can consume up to 100 moth caterpillars per day. A typical clutch of Blue Tits is 10 chicks, so that is 1000 caterpillars per day that the parent Blue Tits have to find.

Blue Tits are beautiful garden birds and are extremely easy to please. Leave out any type of seed mix or suet cake and they will happily visit your garden.

Blue tits, like other garden birds, often seem to disappear in the summer months. There are a number of reasons for not seeing as many birds in summer, including their need to feed their young specific foods, their annual moult, and their desire to take advantage of seasonal food available to them elsewhere.

Towards the end of spring and at the beginning of summer, once the blue tit nestlings have hatched, you may not see so many blue tits in your garden. This could be one of a number of reasons:

1. They’re Feeding Their Nestlings. The first reason is that nestling blue tits require quite a specific diet of caterpillars and insects in order to grow strong enough. This means that there is often quite a large amount of competition for a smaller quantity of food. As a result, a male or female blue tit will often have to fly further afield to find food for their young, so you may not see them around as much in your garden. A nestling blue tit may eat as many as 100 caterpillars a day – that’s a lot of caterpillars for a nest of eight to ten baby blue tits! This means that parent blue tits will spend almost all of their time locating food for their young.
2. They’re Moulting. Small garden birds, in summer months, undergo an annual moult. This tends to mean that they are less visible, as they dart around in the undergrowth. Their blue and yellow markings may be less visible during this time, and they generally have less energy.
3. They’re Taking Advantage Of Seasonal Food. Another reason why blue tits may seem scarce in the summer months is because they are taking advantage of seasonal fruits and berries. While they usually stick to a diet of invertebrates such as spiders, insects and caterpillars, blue tits will often seize the opportunity in the summer to feed on ripe berries and seeds in neighbouring areas. 
4. They Can’t Find Enough Food & Water In The Garden

Dryer days often means dryer lawns, which means fewer insects at the surface to forage. In addition to this, dry spells in the UK result in the evaporation of natural bodies of water, so make sure to keep your bird bath topped up to try and coax blue tits back to your garden!

Blue tits are generally much easier to come by in the autumn and winter months because of the reduced food available, and the need for a warmer place to stay. They can often be spotted eating from hanging bird feeders during cooler months of the year in the UK.

Blue tits are easily distinguished by their blue markings, as the name suggests. The crown, wings and tail of a blue tit are all blue in colour, and the scientific name for the blue tit is directly derived from the Latin for ‘dark blue’.

Their blue crown is bordered by white, and adult blue tits have white cheeks too. Juvenile blue tits have yellow cheeks. The eyes and cheeks of a blue tit are bordered by black lines, and their back is a yellow-green colour. Young blue tits are less yellow and more brown, and may not have developed blue markings yet. The bill of a blue tit is rounded, and is black-brown in colour. Their legs and feet are a dark blue-grey.

Blue tits are generally 12cm in length, have a wingspan of 18cm and weigh approximately 11g. A male and female blue tit are the same size, but they differ in appearance very slightly. Male blue tits are slightly more vibrant, especially under UV light.

For blue tits, breeding season runs from early-mid April until late June or early July in the UK. This means that in the spring and summer months, a female blue tit can often be seen building her nest, incubating her eggs and feeding her young until they are old enough to fly the nest in the late summer.

Blue tits are one of the garden birds that will mate for life. Unless their partner dies, a female blue tit will continue to mate with one other bird for not just a breeding season, but throughout their whole lifetime. There are estimated to be over 3.5 million pairs of breeding blue tits in the UK currently, according to research undertaken by the RSPB.

In the spring, blue tits are most commonly spotted in gardens and parks, primarily because they are preparing for the arrival of their young. The process of building a nest, laying eggs, incubating the eggs and caring for the nestlings is a process that takes between one and two months altogether.

Nests are built by the female blue tit, typically in small holes in tree trunks or hedge rows. Blue tits will commonly use artificial nesting boxes too, as long as they are sufficiently high off the ground (usually two metres is high enough). Blue tits can usually be spotted in the spring building their nests: cup-shaped structures made from a combination of dried grass, dead leaves, bark and moss.

Blue tits are one of the most common garden birds, and are known for being beautiful and characterful in equal measures.

So, what is the life cycle of a blue tit, and how long can you expect the same blue tit to visit you in your garden? 

The typical blue tit lifespan is three years, however the oldest recorded blue tit in the UK was 10 years and three months old. Their many predators and threats mean that the chance of survival is small in the early stages of their life, and in subsequent years. The life cycle of a blue tit is vulnerable to sudden changes in weather, an impact to their food source and changes to their habitat.

Blue tits (or Cyanistes caeruleus) are a type of tit commonly found in gardens across the UK. They are recognisable by their blue wing, tail and crown, but have a number of other distinguishing features. Their chests are yellow, which is believed to be due to the high quantity of carotene pigments found in their diet, from eating caterpillars! Their back is a yellowish-green colour, their cheeks are white with a black outline, and their bill is black-brown.

With a wingspan of 18cm, blue tits are similar in size to other tits, especially coal tits. The average blue tit is 12cm in length, and typically weighs 10g – 11g. Male and female blue tits are generally the same size, but the male may have slightly more vibrant colouring than the female, especially under UV light. Young blue tits are more green-brown than blue, and their cheeks are yellow instead of white.

Blue tits are loyal, monogamous birds, meaning that per breeding season, one male with mate with one female. They mate for life so, unless one of the two dies, every breeding season the same two blue tits will mate. There are currently over 3.5 million breeding pairs of blue tits in the UK, making them one of the most common garden birds.

Female blue tits build their nests on their own, and in the spring time. These nests are cup-shaped structures made from tree back, leaves, dead grass and moss. Blue tits have been known to use the same nesting spot each year, which is usually situated in holes in tree trunks or in garden birdboxes.

The Life Cycle Of A Blue Tit

• Blue Tit Eggs

The eggs of a female blue tit are glossy and smooth. Each female will lay up to 13 eggs in one brood, although most of the time this number is closer to eight or nine eggs. The eggs are white with brown spots, and are incubated by the female for up to 15 days before they hatch. During the incubation period, her male partner will bring her food.

• Blue Tit Nestlings

Once the eggs have hatched, the baby blue tits are known as nestlings. Nestlings are primarily fed caterpillars by their parents, which is a source of the carotene pigments that give them their yellow chest. These nestlings will be fully dependent on their parents for 16 – 22 days, relying on them for both food and security.

• Blue Tit Fledglings

Once large and strong enough, nestling blue tits will transition into the next stage as a fledgling. This is the period of time in which blue tits will leave the nest, learning to fly and forage over a period of days or weeks. Despite the fact that they are one of the most common garden birds, the vast majority of blue tits, an estimated 62%, do not make it to one year old. Factors such as the weather, number of predators in the area and the territory of their parents can all impact a fledgling’s likelihood of survival.

• Juvenile & Adult Blue Tits

Young garden birds such as blue tits often stay close by to their parents for a number of months after flying the nest, occasionally relying on them for food. Once they reach adulthood, the annual survival rate of a blue tit is 53%.

Blue Tit Predators & Threats

• Predators

Blue tits and some of the other most common garden birds are often preyed upon from the sky and the ground. They are food for various different birds of prey, and domesticated animals on the ground. Jays, crows, owls and, most commonly, sparrowhawks (kestrels) are the deadliest predators of small birds such as blue tits.

In addition to being hunted from the sky, blue tits are commonly preyed upon by domestic cats and dogs, and sometimes foxes too. Their numerous predators means that a blue tit lifespan is unfortunately often short.

• Habitat Threats

Blue tits live in a wide range of habitats across the UK and the rest of Europe. They typically live in both deciduous and mixed woodland, gardens, parks, hedgerows and ditches. They don’t just stick to rural areas; they’re often found in towns and cities. 

While some threats to their habitats are as a result of human interference, some are a result of other animals. Blue tit nests may be robbed by both grey and red squirrels, and even weasels, in the UK. 

Read more about blue tit nesting habits, including how many broods there are throughout a blue tit lifespan, here.

Dunnocks and sparrows are similar-looking, and it can be quite challenging to tell them apart if you don’t know what to look for. They are equally common garden birds, and you may see either a dunnock or sparrow feeding in your garden.

The Dunnock (Hedge Sparrow)

A dunnock is a small perching bird, found commonly throughout Europe and Russia. They are also found in New Zealand, having been introduced there by Europeans. They are part of the accentor family (not the sparrow family), a genus of bird that is known for originating in mountains in Europe and Asia.

The word ‘dunnock’ comes from the English ‘dun’ meaning dingy brown or dark-coloured. The family name ‘accentor’ comes from the Latin word meaning a person who sings with another. Dunnocks are also known as ‘hedge accentors’, ‘hedge sparrows’ or ‘hedge warblers’.

House & Tree Sparrows

The two most common types of sparrows are the house sparrow and the tree sparrow. These common types of sparrows are native to Europe and most of Asia, and live in both rural and urban areas. The word ‘sparrow’ is thought to come from the Old English ‘spearwa’.

So, how can we tell the difference between a dunnock hedge sparrow and the two most common types of sparrows, the house sparrow and the tree sparrow?

Dunnock or Sparrow? 7 Differences to Look Out For

The differences between dunnocks, house sparrows and tree sparrows are subtle. 

1. Size

Dunnock or sparrow? Firstly, dunnocks tend to be slightly smaller than house and tree sparrows. Dunnocks are typically 14cm in length, with a wingspan of between 19cm and 21cm. They generally weigh between 19g and 24g, and the males and females are very similar in size and appearance.

On the other hand, house sparrows are generally between 14cm and 15cm in length, with a wingspan of between 21cm and 26cm. They weigh slightly more than a dunnock hedge sparrow, ranging from 24g to 38g in weight. 

Tree sparrows have an average length of 14cm, and an average wingspan of between 20cm and 22cm. They weigh between 19g and 25g.

2. Appearance

In general, the beak of a house or tree sparrow tends to be thicker than a dunnock’s. Dunnock hedge sparrow beaks are usually thinner and pointier, although they are similar in colour. Sparrows’ heads are brown with grey crowns, whereas the head of a dunnock is more blue or grey in colour.

House sparrows have much thicker beaks, which are suited to breaking open seeds. Their heads are more brown than grey, and the males have a black neck. Tree sparrows have a very brown head, often with a black spot on their cheek. Male and female tree sparrows look very alike.

3. Song

Another way to distinguish whether a bird is a dunnock or sparrow is their call. 

The song of a dunnock hedge sparrow can be described as a loud, squeaky warble. The song has been likened to writing on a whiteboard with a creaky pen, and is a ‘peep’ noise. The dunnock call is mostly heard in the first six months of the calendar year.

The song of a house sparrow, in contrast, is a more basic ‘cheep’ noise. The noise is often repeated over and over again, and can be very loud. Tree sparrows make a less common ‘zee’ noise, rather than a ‘cheep’ sound.

4. Behaviour

House sparrows are the most confident and boisterous of these birds, and do not shy away from humans, often using bird-feeders as a food source. They often live in groups, and don’t migrate throughout the year. They never stray too far from shelter as they aren’t particularly confident at flying long distances.

Tree sparrows are not as confident as house sparrows, and as a result they are shyer around humans. They do, however, live in groups, and will be more confident in feeding from a bird-feeder when in their group. 

Dunnocks are also not as boisterous as house sparrows, and they often dart about on the ground. Unlike sparrows, they don’t live in groups, and are generally only seen with other sparrows during spring and summer months when they are breeding. They prefer feeding on the ground, so aren’t often seen at hanging bird-feeders.

5. Nesting

There are also differences in nesting that allow you to tell whether a bird is a dunnock or sparrow.

The dunnock hedge sparrow is known for being unfaithful to their partner when it comes to breeding. Female dunnocks will usually have a few male partners, to maximise their chances of being able to care for their nestlings. In many cases, male dunnocks will also have multiple partners.

Tree sparrows, on the other hand, are more likely to stay with the same partner during a single breeding season. As the name suggests, they often nest in trees, dense hedges or cliffs. Trees are great at alerting parent sparrows to predators, as the rustling leaves gives them away.

House sparrows are the most faithful, and tend to mate for life. As the name suggests, they prefer to nest in small crevices in buildings, but may also use hedges and even log piles in more rural settings.

6. Habitat

Tree sparrows are found most commonly in rural towns and villages in England and the South of Scotland. In the UK, their population is in rapid decline. This is largely because of the increase in agriculture and the use of herbicides in these environments.

House sparrows live in both urban and rural areas, and are often seen relying somewhat on humans for food through bird-feeders and scraps. Despite this, house sparrow populations are also in rapid decline, because of the reduction in available food and nesting sites, and the increase in air pollution.

Dunnocks are content living in both urban and rural areas, even living in farmland and in woodland. The population of dunnocks in the UK is declining, but not at the same rate as sparrow populations. The most likely reason for the decline in dunnock hedge sparrow population is the reduced habitats available for them to live and breed in.

7. Diet

Difference in the diet of these birds will also give an indication of whether a bird is a dunnock or sparrow.

The dunnock hedge sparrow commonly feeds on insects, spiders and worms. Their thin beaks are ideal for eating these invertebrates, but are less suited to cracking open large seeds and fruit. As a result, they tend to feed on the ground.

House sparrows tend to feed on new leaves and seeds. Due to their confident nature and their inability to be phased by the presence of humans, they also often seek scraps of human food. They do also eat insects, especially when they have nestlings to feed too.

Tree sparrows eat grains, grasses, and weeds. They do eat at bird-feeders, but often only if they are in a group.

Summary of the Key Differences