Accentor
Small, drab passerines of Old World mountains and lowlands.
Accentors are a genus of small passerine birds in the family Prunellidae, endemic to the Old World. All species belong to the genus Prunella, and most inhabit mountainous regions of Europe and Asia, though the dunnock and Japanese accentor also occur in lowland areas. These birds are not strongly migratory but may leave the coldest parts of their range in winter or make altitudinal movements.
- Family
- Prunellidae
- Genus
- Prunella
- Size
- 14–18 cm (5.5–7.1 in) in length
- Weight
- 25–35 g (0.88–1.23 oz)
- Number of species
- 12 currently accepted
- Type species
- Dunnock (Prunella modularis)
Lore & Background
Although the genus is usually used for all accentors, the alpine accentor and Altai accentor are sometimes separated into the genus Laiscopus. The name 'accentor' derives from Late Latin, meaning 'sing with another,' while 'Prunella' comes from the German Braunelle, a diminutive of braun ('brown').
Reader's Guide
Accentors are significant as a distinct Old World family of passerines, closely related to sparrows in appearance but not in taxonomy. Their thin, sharp bills reflect a diet of ground-dwelling insects in summer, supplemented by seeds and berries in winter. Most species live in flocks, though the dunnock is solitary except when feeding. Courtship involves extensive male song and short lark-like flights; in most species both sexes share nest building, but dunnock males do not. They lay 3–6 unspotted green or blue eggs, incubated for about 12 days, with young fledging after another 12 days. The group's legacy lies in its adaptation to high-altitude environments and its unique behavioral traits, such as the dunnock's 'shuffle-wing' display.
Did You Know?
- The dunnock is also called 'shuffle-wing' due to its characteristic wing flicks during courtship.
- The genus name Prunella comes from the German Braunelle, meaning 'little brown bird.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Accentor?
Accentors are a group of small, drab songbirds all classified under the genus Prunella in the family Prunellidae. They are exclusively Old World birds, found across Europe and Asia rather than the Americas or Africa.
What are Accentor's key physical traits?
They are compact passerines measuring roughly 14 to 18 cm from beak to tail and weighing about 25 to 35 grams. Their plumage is generally muted and drab, blending well with rocky or scrubby mountain terrain.
Where do Accentors live?
The vast majority of accentor species are tied to mountainous regions across Europe and Asia. A few, such as the dunnock and the Japanese accentor, also thrive in lowland habitats, but the genus as a whole is strongly associated with higher elevations.
How many Accentor species are there and what is the type species?
Twelve species are currently accepted, all nested within the single genus Prunella. The dunnock (Prunella modularis) holds the distinction of being the type species for the genus.
Do Accentors migrate long distances?
Not really; accentors are not considered strongly migratory. Instead of long-distance flights, they typically make shorter altitudinal shifts or simply leave the coldest stretches of their range during winter, returning as conditions warm.
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