Sparrow that can sing? Not really
In many localities this little bird is known as a hedge sparrow.
Now, while it may at times look like a sparrow it actually belongs to another bird family known as ‘‘accentors’’.
Birds in this family are described as small and inconspicuous, with fine sharp beaks and a very attractive song.
These are not house sparrow characteristics!
It’s best to give this bird the name dunnock.
Dunnocks are known worldwide and they exhibit other characteristics that are not sparrow-like.
For example they usually feed on the ground by themselves.
Sparrows are group feeders and they usually keep close to cover.
A careful look at the dunnock in the photograph will reveal a yellow line at the base of the beak, just in front of the eye.
This indicates that it is a young dunnock, probably still being fed by its parents.
The nest is usually built quite close to the ground in some dense undergrowth.
The nest is built of grass and twigs and is lined with soft material such as wool orfeathers. Up to five blue eggs can be laid.
Both parents feed the young and sometimes in the dunnock family something different happens.
Male dunnocks, not related to the nesting pair, will join in the feeding process.
It appears that their contribution is welcome.
There’s good co-operation in the dunnock world.