Dunnock magnet – Backyard Heroes

Discover the dunnock (Prunella modularis), the most overlooked jewel of the European garden. With its modest grey-brown plumage, the dunnock is often ignored by most gardeners — but those who look and listen closely will discover one of Europe's most fascinating and complex garden birds. Its warm, warbling song fills the garden from early morning until late evening, and its social life is richer and more intricate than almost any other European garden bird. The "hedge sparrow" that isn't a sparrow — but much more interesting.

This premium magnet features stunning wildlife photography that captures the subtle beauty and vivid expression of this underestimated garden guest.

Conservation Status: Least Concern

• Population: Widespread in Europe (stable in most regions)
• Habitat: Gardens, parks, hedges, and forest edges throughout Europe
• Major Threats: Loss of dense hedges and thickets, overly tidy gardens
• Ecological Role: Insect predator, spider eater, and seed disperser in gardens and forest edges
• Special Feature: Has one of the most complex mating systems of all European garden birds

Fascinating Facts:

• The dunnock has one of the most complex mating systems of all European birds — polygyny, polyandry, and even polygynandry all occur
• Despite its name, the dunnock is not a sparrow but belongs to the accentor family (Prunellidae)
• It forages almost exclusively on the ground, scurrying through leaf litter in search of insects and seeds
• Its song — a rapid, warbling tune — can be heard all year round, even in winter
• Dunnock nests are so well hidden in dense bushes that they are rarely found
• They are present in Dutch gardens all year round — a loyal and reliable garden guest

How to attract dunnocks to your garden?

• Plant dense, low hedges and shrubs for cover and nesting opportunities
• Leave leaf litter and ground cover for foraging
• Offer food on the ground — seeds and mealworms
• Create dense, tangled vegetation for nesting
• Avoid excessive tidying — dunnocks love messy corners

Read our complete rewilding guide for your garden →

We collaborate with organizations that make a real, measurable contribution to wildlife protection. Together, we are building a community of wildlife ambassadors — one magnet at a time.

With the purchase of this magnet, we donate €2.00 to wildlife conservation – directly contributing to the preservation of the dunnock and its habitat.

Part of our Backyard Heroes collection — transform your fridge into a tribute to the overlooked jewel of the European garden.