hedge sparrow

noun

1. the dunnock.

hedge sparrow

noun

1. a small brownish European songbird, Prunella modularis: family Prunellidae (accentors) Also calleddunnock

Word History and Origins

Origin of hedge sparrow¹

First recorded in 1520–30

Example Sentences

Once called the hedge sparrow, the dunnock is dark greyish-purple and brown, with a thin bill.

From The Guardian

Stephen Moss unveils the often surprising roots of avian etymology and offers insight into fierce, long-standing debates such as that over Prunella modularis, variously known as the dunnock and hedge sparrow.

From Nature

The dunnock, known to some as the hedge sparrow, is a European bird.

From Economist

Mr. Attenborough recounts a particularly delicious example from his 1998 series, “The Life of Birds,” one that revealed shocking moral corruption among hedge sparrows.

From New York Times

There is an understated humour in the poem which brings the world of the hedge sparrows, and indeed ourselves, into sharp focus.

From The Guardian