Accentors · Perching birds
Alpine Accentor
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Prunella collaris
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How to recognize it
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Sparrow-sized
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Slate-grey front, black speckles on the throat, red-brown sides
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Two white wing bars, pale tail tip
About the species
Against bare rock, its grey head and breast meet a streaked brown back, with rusty-red marks along the flanks. Black speckles cover the throat, and two white bars cross each wing; a pale tip marks the end of the tail. In young plumage, the throat is plain grey and the underparts are browner.
It spends much of its time on the ground among rocks, slipping into a crevice or under an overhang when alarmed. Its song runs through chirps and a trill, while its rolling calls sound like “trrli” and “trryui.” It sings from the ground or rises into a display flight.
It lives on open mountain slopes and alpine meadows, usually above the tree line, where scattered low plants grow among the rocks. Insects, worms, spiders and snails make up its animal food, alongside seeds. Most stay in the mountains, but some move lower for winter, visiting feeders and refuse areas near ski resorts and mountain villages.
Where to find
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On sunny rocky slopes above the treeline, look near the ground for an Alpine Accentor picking insects, worms and seeds among the stones.
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During the breeding season on bare high-mountain slopes above the treeline, listen for a chirping song from the ground or watch for a display flight.
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In winter near mountain ski bases and hotels, check feeders and waste areas for visits to feed.
