Dunnock large areas of Eurasia, inhabiting much of Europe including Lebanon, northern Iran, and the Caucasus. They are the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas, all the others inhabit upland areas Dunnocks were successfully introduced into New Zealand during the 19th century, and are now widely distributed around the country and some offshore islands. Favourite habitats include woodlands, shrubs, gardens, and hedgerows where they typically feed on the ground often seeking out detritivores as food. The main call of the dunnock is a shrill, persistent "tseep" along with a high trilling note, which betrays the bird's otherwise inconspicuous presence. The
Preening (bird) preening. The conflict between two incompatible drives, such as incubating and escape, can also lead a bird to engage in displacement activities. Nesting Sandwich and common terns preen when they have been alarmed by a potential predator or when they have had an aggressive encounter with a neighboring bird, for instance. Fighting European starlings will break off their battles to preen. Although preening is primarily an individual behaviour, some species indulge in allopreening, with one individual preening another. It is not particularly common among birds, though species from at least 43 families are known to engage in the mutual activity.