A quick, silvery, rhythmic phrase lasting 2–3 seconds and repeated after short pauses.
Often described as "a cantor reeling off liturgical words" or a "metallic whistling tone running down a scale".
Sung from a visible perch — the top of a spruce, a roof ridge, a telephone wire. This is unusual, since the Dunnock otherwise creeps about in dense thickets.
Somewhat reminiscent of the Wren's song but softer, shorter and less explosive.
Sung most intensely from March to July, often at sunrise.
Contact call - A sharp "tsiih" or "tsi-tsi" — high-pitched, easily confused with the Robin. - Alarm call: a rapidly repeated "tit-tit-tit" if a cat or Magpie approaches the nest.
Begging call from young - A soft, whistling "psi-psi-psi" from the nest.