Prunella collaris
Identity, life and distribution
Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris inhabits rocky uplands and mountain grassland. The scientific name helps avoid confusion with Dunnock and other small birds that may look superficially similar.
It searches the ground among rocks and grass. Invertebrates are part of its diet, with seeds becoming more important as seasons change. Winter movements may involve descending to lower elevations rather than a regular long-distance migration.
The nest is concealed in a rock fissure. Females may associate with more than one male in mating and chick care, so a small group cannot automatically be interpreted as a single pair and its young.
Its range includes mountains of the Maghreb, as described by the Cévennes National Park account. This does not imply occurrence in every Arab mountain range. Record place, elevation and date without disturbing birds or searching for nests.
A 2023 study in Evolution supports breeding populations in Morocco through comparison of Moroccan and Spanish samples.
www.bto.org — Alpine Accentor · www.oiseaux.net — Alpine Accentor · biodiversite.cevennes-parcnational.fr — Alpine Accentor · academic.oup.com — Alpine Accentor
Photo: Paulo Caseirito