[cugsy]

My apologies for the poor picture quality but I was trying to hand hold my 500mm through the conservatory window and the bird was about 30ft away.
I was peeking at what looked at first like a feeding dunnock and when I got the bins on it I saw one bird violently pecking a prone bird. It was apparently dead and just as well because the live one was aiming for the head and eyes of the 'dead' bird. I took a few shots - if I opened the door or window it would have scarpered.
When it had gone I went to have a look. The dead bird was actually still warm but there were feathers everywhere - in the little pond behind them, the surface is covered in feathers. The only way I can describe the dead birds head is butchered. I thought at first it was due to the cold and a little bit of cannibalism was going on but the garden is a well fed area. So, as the Robins and tits are chasing and squabbling its a thought to know how far the innocuous little Dunnock will take a fight.

[cugsy]

Its getting to be all out Dunnock war. The wife came in from the garden - she found a one legged, partially bald and terrified Dunnock cowering under one of the shrubs. I wonder if he'll last the night...

[Jos Stratford]

Interesting thread, it seems Dunnocks possess a rather complex social life, their mating games also apparently far from routine.

[Stratton Birder]

They might come across as unobtrusive, quiet, sweet looking birds but I once saw a pair of these involved in the most vicious, no hold barred fight that would put a pair of scrapping Robins to shame. Going from what I witnessed it would not surprise me at all if this species occassionaly fights to the death and that is possibly what you had witnessed.

[cugsy]

No quarter methinks...