- Lifespan
- 4–6 years in the wild
- Size & Weight
- 12–13 cm, wingspan 13–17 cm; 9–12 g
- Habitat
- Lowland heathland with scattered gorse and heather, also scrubby areas and young conifer plantations with dense, spiky vegetation.
- UK Distribution
- Resident breeder in southern England, particularly concentrated on heathlands in Dorset, Hampshire, and Surrey; some populations fluctuate dramatically in response to harsh winters; extremely rare in northern Britain.
- Diet
- Small insects and spiders, particularly gleaning prey from vegetation; also takes some seeds and berries in winter.
- Prey
- Insects (flies, beetles, small lepidopterans) and spiders; not a hunter of larger prey
- Predators
- Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Eurasian Kestrel, corvids (crows and jays), and ground predators such as foxes and feral cats
- Mating Season
- March to July
- Breeding
- Clutch size 3–5 eggs; incubation period 12–13 days; 2 broods per season typically; fledging at 11–13 days; both sexes build nest in gorse or heather
- Behaviour
- Highly sedentary and territorial year-round, with males singing from exposed perches to defend territory. Skulking and elusive in habits, remaining low in dense vegetation. Often seen tail-cocking and creeping through bushes with jerky movements.