Dunnock/Hedge Sparrow/Linnet differences

[GFM]

Not being a massive twitcher and not with the best of eyesight, I am never sure when out and about the differences between these 3. Any easy characteristics to quickly spot when you get a flash of a one of these in a hedge?
I also find similar issues with Siskins and Yellow Hammers.

[diggleken]

Hi GFM,
firstly, Dunnock is Hedge sparrow! Member of the Accentor family, but not really a sparrow, which have thick beaks - Dunnock has a thin beak, so thats a quick way to tell, as Linnet has a thick, seed eaters finchy beak.
Behaviour also is a good help, Dunnocks are usually well inside a bush, or on the ground or skulking about, Linnets much more the upper branches - and the male linnet has red chest/head patches.
Just have a look at the RSPB website for them both,its pretty easy when you've sussed it, same goes for the others!
Cheers
Ken

[Deb London]

I have poor eyesight so I really do sympathise GFM. I tend to pick up on behavioural differences and calls. Since I only see Siskins in winter, I will listen out for them as they forage for seeds in the tallest alders and birches. They are quite difficult to spot and always seem to be active and on the go. Yellowhammers are less likely to be found hanging upside down in high branches. Look for them feeding on the ground and watching you from the relative safety of hedges and shrubs. The male is more yellow and less green and black than the Siskin. Quite an 'obvious' bird in some ways, although quite a rarity for some areas these days.

[artdemole]

Yon Dunnock is smaller than Hedge Sparrow with a lot more brown over the body.It is bigger than the Wren which acts in the same way.Yellow Hammer is distinctive by the yellowing of the head.It can be seen on the top of hedge row in the fields now singing and calling.Does a lot of this early spring.Had the luck to see a few the other day doing this.

[solus]

Originally Posted by artdemole

Yon Dunnock is smaller than Hedge Sparrow with a lot more brown over the body.

Eh?? Hedge Sparrow is the old name for the bird now more correctly known as Dunnock - they are one and the same!

Did you mean House Sparrow perhaps?

Dunnocks are often to be seen right now sitting up high in shrubs and trees singing their rather pretty song, rather than skulking in the undergrowth and this can lead to confusion for some who believe they only creep about on the ground!

[artdemole]

My Dunnock/Hedge Sparrow comes skulking round me patio an' sitting on top of the reed fencing.Brings it's mate wid him as well....The other Sparrers keep to the vield.....