Radde's accentor is a species of bird in the family Prunellidae. It is found in mountainous parts of Yemen and northern Southwest Asia.
Region
Caucasus and northern Middle East
Typical Environment
Breeds in montane and subalpine zones of northeastern Turkey, the Caucasus (Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and adjacent southern Russia), and the mountains of northern Iran, with some occurrence in northeastern Iraq. Prefers rocky slopes, alpine meadows with scattered shrubs, and open juniper, rose, or hawthorn scrub. During winter it moves downslope into foothills, cultivated edges, and bushy ravines. It is generally local but can be fairly common where suitable shrubby cover occurs near rock and scree.
Altitude Range
800–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Radde's accentor is a small, ground-foraging passerine of the highlands from eastern Turkey through the Caucasus to northern Iran and adjacent regions. Named after the naturalist Gustav Radde, it favors scrubby, rocky slopes and juniper or thorny shrub zones above the treeline. It often performs short, low flights between bushes and is more often heard than seen. In winter it descends to lower elevations and may appear around villages and orchards.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, darting flights between shrubs
Social Behavior
Typically feeds singly or in pairs, forming small loose groups outside the breeding season. Nests low in dense shrubs or among rocks in a cup of twigs and grass; clutch usually 3–5 eggs. Both adults participate in provisioning the young, and territorial song posts are often atop prominent rocks or shrubs.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A thin, tinkling warble delivered from a low perch or rock, interspersed with short trills. Calls include sharp tsit notes and soft contact calls from cover.
