Dunnock
Scientific Name: Prunella modularisMaltese Name: Ziemel
Family: Accentors (Prunellidae)
Occurence: Common
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Dunnock, or Hedge Accentor, is a dull looking bird. It has a streaked brown cap, brown eye, dark bill and a grey throat. It has black and brown streaks on back and a grayish breast. It feeds by foraging the ground, often near bushes and close to cover where it picks insects and seeds. It is a regular breeder throughout Europe except for countries in Far East. It builds a small grassy cup, lined with moss, in a bush or hedge where it lays 4 or 5 eggs. It has a loud penetrating pseep teee call. Dunnocks winters around the Mediterranean.
Status:
Common autumn and winter visitor
When to See:
September until March
Where to See:
It prefers wooded areas and open areas with plenty of bushes and low trees. Buskett is a very good site for Dunnock.
Photographs:
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Dunnock, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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Dunnock, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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