Small bird (about 14 cm or 5.5 in), very similar to a sparrow. Brown back with dark brown scales, greyish-grey underparts and head, more intense in males. It has a fine pointed bill, whose lower part is yellowish orange but changes to black when the Dunnock reaches adulthood, and strong, reddish legs.
Rocky environments
Medium and high mountain species (more than 1,000 metres of altitude) with an abundance of thickets and undergrowth. Common in cool areas with heathland, broom and juniper fields and creeping scrub. In winter also present in forests with abundant understory.
Wintering species in the province. This bird begins to breed in April. Two to three layings of 3 to 7 eggs. Nest in shrubs at low altitude. Insectivore. It also consumes seeds, pine nuts and fruits during the winter.
Frequent species in the mountain areas of the province. It can be observed in El Juanar (Sierra Blanca), Sierra de Camarolos, El Torcal or Sierra de las Nieves, for example. In the Great Path it is present in stages 10, 11, 31, 33 and 34, among others.
Its Latin name derives from its brown colour, as that of plums ("prunus"), and from its ability to sing rhythmically and in a synchronised way. Dunnock females tend to be promiscuous and form trios. They make escapades when their usual partner is not present, to mate with other neighbouring males.
- El Alcázar - La Maroma
- El Cerro de Santi Petri
- Great Malaga Path (GR 249). Stage 10. Riogordo - Alfarnate
- Great Malaga Path (GR 249). Stage 11. Alfarnate - Villanueva del Rosario
- Great Malaga Path (GR 249). Stage 31. Marbella - Ojén
- Great Malaga Path (GR 249). Stage 33. Mijas - Benalmádena
- Great Malaga Path (GR 249). Stage 34. Benalmádena - Alhaurín de la Torre
- Llanos de Líbar
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