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Dunnock

Dunnock

Dunnocks can be distinguished from house sparrows by their long slender beak. They tend to creep along the edge of flower beds and shrubs.

Scientific name: Prunella modularis
Other names: Hedge sparrow, hedge accentor

New Zealand Status: Introduced
Conservation Status: Naturalised

Where they feed: Ground, shrubs and trees.
What they eat: Invertebrates, seeds and fruit

Garden types

Dunnock are found in only about 10% of surveyed gardens nationally. Your chance of seeing a dunnock will increase if you feed birds in your garden.

Garden location

The likelihood of finding a dunnock in a garden increases the further south you go, being highest in the eastern and southern regions of the South Island.