hedge sparrow

American  

noun

1. the dunnock.

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hedge sparrow British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of hedge sparrow

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 • Apr. 16, 2020

For you trow, nuncle,      The hedge sparrow fed the cuckoo so long,      That it had its head bit off by its young.

From Characters of Shakespeare's Plays by Hazlitt, William

Titmouse is not a mouse, but a little hedge sparrow.

From The Handy Cyclopedia of Things Worth Knowing A Manual of Ready Reference by Triemens, Joseph

I ran to the spot; the hawk of course made off, but there was nothing in the bush save a hedge sparrow, which had probably attracted him, but which he had not succeeded in getting.

From Nature Near London by Jefferies, Richard

As is the youthful cuckoo in the nest of the hedge sparrow, so was Louisa Taylor to the authors of her being.—Mrs.

From Deadham Hard by Malet, Lucas