The Altai accentor is a species of bird in the family Prunellidae. It is also known as the rufous-streaked accentor or Himalayan accentor. It breeds in the Altai Mountains of western Mongolia; it winters in the southern Tian Shan and Himalayan ranges.
Region
Central Asia and Himalayas
Typical Environment
Breeds in the Altai and adjacent ranges of western Mongolia and Central Asia, occupying open alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and dwarf juniper or rhododendron scrub. In winter it moves to the southern Tian Shan and the Himalayan ranges, descending to subalpine scrub, grasslands, and edges of cultivation. It favors broken ground with scattered shrubs, boulder fields, and tundra-like habitats. Around villages it can be seen foraging along field margins and stony tracks.
Altitude Range
1500–5000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the rufous-streaked or Himalayan accentor, this high-mountain songbird breeds on rocky alpine slopes and shrub tundra. It moves south and downslope in winter, often appearing around scrubby foothills and even near high-altitude villages. Like other accentors, it forages quietly on the ground and is easily overlooked despite its broad range. Its streaky plumage provides excellent camouflage among stones and dwarf shrubs.
Temperament
unobtrusive and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs during the breeding season, keeping close to cover among rocks and low shrubs. Nests are placed low in dense shrubs or on the ground, with clutches of several pale eggs. Outside the breeding season it often forms small, loose flocks that forage together.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A soft, tinkling warble delivered from low perches or rocks, interspersed with thin, high seeps. Calls are sharp, high-pitched notes used to keep contact in broken terrain.
Plumage
Streaked brown upperparts with rufous tones and a grey head and nape; underparts buffy with prominent rufous to dark streaking across the breast and flanks.
Diet
In summer it takes insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates gleaned from the ground and low vegetation. During winter it adds grass and weed seeds, and small berries such as juniper to its diet. It occasionally probes among stones and leaf litter to dislodge hidden prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly on open, stony ground with scattered shrubs, along snowmelt edges, and in alpine meadows. In winter it often forages along scrubby slopes, field edges, and village margins at lower elevations.
