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, 18 cm
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Lead-grey front, brown streaks on the sides
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Throat with black spotting
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Two white wing bars, whitish tail tip
About the species
The Alpine Accentor wears a streaked brown back, a grey head, and red-brown spots across the breast. Two white wing bars and a pale tail tip give it a clear pattern when it moves over rock and scree.
It spends much of its time on the ground, slipping between stones and low plants, and it hides in crevices when disturbed. Its call sounds like a rolling "trrli" or "trryui", and its song is a busy mix of chirps and trills.
It lives in high mountain country above the treeline, often on bare slopes and rocky alpine meadows. It feeds on insects, worms, spiders, snails, and seeds. In winter it drops lower, and some turn up around ski areas, mountain villages, feeders, and rubbish tips.
Where to find
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On bare, rocky slopes above the treeline — where low shrubs are scattered and a short trilling call carries, the Alpine Accentor usually stays on the ground.
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Among scree and large boulders — look for quick runs from stone to stone while it picks at insects and tiny seeds.
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In winter around mountain village edges, ski huts, and hotel service areas — check feeders and rubbish spots, where it pops out from under steps or curbs.
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On open alpine meadows beside exposed slopes — the giveaway is a scratchy song, sometimes launched in a short fluttering display flight.
