This web page uses its own cookies and the third-party cookies to collect the information which help us make the service as good as possible. By no means is our intention to use it for gathering personal data.

Cookies policy

Birds

Birds

Common name Dunnock
Scientific name Prunella modularis
Type Cliff-nesting birds
Status Wintering

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.

Habitats

Rocky environments

Where it lives

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.

How it lives

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.

Where it can be seen in Malaga

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.

Curious facts

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.

Present
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Wintering Summer Resident Migration
Audios