Alpine Accentor
ExploreBirds
Alpine Accentor
prunella collaris
The Alpine Accentor is a hardy, robust songbird uniquely adapted to life in the harsh, high-altitude mountain environments of Europe and Asia. Residing above the treeline among rocky scree and alpine meadows, this charming bird is famously bold and inquisitive, often approaching hikers and skiers with little fear. It is the largest member of the accentor family, exhibiting a stout body, strong legs, and complex social systems that allow it to thrive where few other passerine birds can survive.
Habitat: Found on rocky alpine slopes, scree, and mountain peaks above the treeline.
Appearance
This bird is characterized by its slate-grey head and chest, contrasted with warm rufous-brown streaking along its flanks and a white throat patterned with black spots. Its wings are dark brown with prominent double white wing bars, and its bill is fine and pointed with a yellow base. It is larger and stockier than its lowland cousin, the Dunnock, measuring about 15 to 18 centimeters in length.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyPrunellidaeGenusPrunella
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Alpine Accentors practice an intricate mating system where females mate with multiple males, and males help raise the offspring of different females in the group.
Because they spend so much time on mountain peaks, they are exceptionally tolerant of humans, sometimes eating crumbs right out of a quiet observer's hand.
During severe winter blizzards, they have been known to seek shelter inside high-altitude mountain refuges, castles, and monasteries.
Special abilities
Ability
High-Altitude Physiology
Possesses specialized hemoglobin that binds oxygen more efficiently, allowing it to remain highly active in thin, low-oxygen mountain air.
Ability
Polygynandrous Social Structure
Forms complex breeding groups of multiple males and females who cooperatively defend territory and share the duties of raising chicks.
Ability
Altitudinal Migration
Evades extreme winter conditions by executing short vertical migrations down mountain slopes to lower elevations rather than traveling long horizontal distances.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 15-18 cm
- Wingspan
- 30-35 cm
- Weight
- 0.025-0.04 kg
- Lifespan
- 3-8 years
- Top Speed
- 45 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 3-5
- Incubation
- 13-15 days
- Migration Distance
- 80 km
Diet & Feeding
Feeds heavily on small insects and spiders during the warm summer months, transitioning to seeds, berries, and human food scraps in the winter.
Primary Foods
- Insects
- Spiders
- Grass seeds
- Berries
- Food crumbs
Foraging Method
- Foraging On Ground
Ecological connections
hunts
Alpine Grasshopper
Podisma pedestris
Preys on high-altitude insects during the summer breeding season.
competitor
Water Pipit
Anthus spinoletta
Competes for foraging space and nesting sites in similar rocky alpine environments.
eaten by
Eurasian Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisus
Falls prey to aerial raptors patrolling mountainous cliffs and meadows.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Collections for this object will appear here as more themes are added.
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Alpine Accentor?
The easiest way to identify Alpine Accentor is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Alpine Accentor?
15-18 cm
What is Alpine Accentor's wingspan?
30-35 cm
How much does Alpine Accentor weigh?
0.025-0.04 kg
How long does Alpine Accentor live?
3-8 years
How fast can Alpine Accentor move?
45 km/h
What does Alpine Accentor eat?
Feeds heavily on small insects and spiders during the warm summer months, transitioning to seeds, berries, and human food scraps in the winter.
Where is Alpine Accentor usually found?
Found on rocky alpine slopes, scree, and mountain peaks above the treeline.
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
_fem%2C_oso_flaco%2C_sloco%2C_ca_oso_(1)_(8718083235).jpg&width=800)
