Alpine Accentor

Overview

The alpine accentor (Prunella collaris) is a small passerine bird in the family Prunellidae, native to the mountainous regions of Eurasia and North Africa. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Robin-sized bird measuring 15–17.5 cm (5.9–6.9 in) in length, slightly larger than the dunnock.
• Adults feature an all-grey head and red-brown spotting on the underparts, contrasting with the streaked brown back of young birds.
• Possesses an insectivore's fine pointed bill.
• Resembles a house sparrow in back colouration but is distinguished by its grey head and spotted belly.

Habitat

It inhabits bare mountain areas with some low vegetation throughout southern temperate Europe, Lebanon, and Asia, typically at heights above 2,000 m. While mainly resident, the species winters at lower latitudes and occasionally appears as a rare vagrant in Great Britain.

Did you know?

The species exhibits a socially polygynandrous mating system where breeding groups consist of three or four males and three or four unrelated females. Males provide care to chicks in multiple nests, but only feed those in which they are likely to be the true fathers, a pattern confirmed by DNA fingerprinting.