Prunella modularis, commonly known as the Dunnock, is native to the Palearctic region. Its geographical distribution extends across much of Europe and into parts of temperate Asia, including countries like the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Russia, reaching eastward into Siberia and parts of northern China.

The Dunnock typically inhabits temperate regions characterized by a mild climate with moderate rainfall. It is often found in areas with dense vegetation, such as shrubs, hedgerows, gardens, woodlands, and parks. These environments offer abundant cover and foraging opportunities.

Prunella modularis occupies an ecological niche as a ground-foraging insectivore, feeding primarily on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, as well as seeds, especially during the winter months. The Dunnock is often found in undergrowth where it can forage in the leaf litter. Its adaptation to a wide range of semi-open habitats allows it to exploit various resources and avoid competition with larger, more visible bird species.