What does the Dunnock eat?

The Dunnock's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Omnivore (primarily insects and spiders in summer, seeds and berries in winter)

How it forages

Forages primarily on the ground or low in vegetation, often shuffling and creeping 'mouse-like' through dense cover. Diet consists mainly of insects (beetles, ants, flies, caterpillars) and spiders during the breeding season. In winter, they switch to seeds (especially from grasses and weeds) and small berries. They will also visit bird feeders for seeds and crumbs.

When it feeds

Diurnal.

Explore the Dunnock