The Dunnock (Hedge Sparrow, Prunella modularis) is one of the most successful colonisers, having been introduced in the mid-1800s and successfully spread throughout Aotearoa New Zealand by the 1930s, from coast to mountains.

While abundant, they are often overlooked on account of their relatively dull appearance and, I feel, the common European name of “Hedge Sparrow” lumps them in with the ever-present House Sparrow.

I would probably not notice them myself, except I have been keeping an eye out for photo opportunities for common species missing from this site.

This individual was photographed in Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne.