Robin Accentor

The robin accentor (Prunella rubeculoides) is a charming bird, distinguished by its grey head and a striking orange-red breast. This large accentor reaches a length of approximately 17 cm (7 in), with both sexes sharing a similar appearance. The upper parts are brown, streaked with black, while the throat radiates a reddish-orange hue and the belly is a pale buff. The wing coverts are adorned with white tips, adding to the bird's subtle beauty.

Identification Tips

When identifying the robin accentor, look for its slender, sharply-pointed beak, which is typical of an insectivorous bird. The grey head and neck contrast with the brown upper parts, and the reddish-orange throat is a key feature. The white-tipped wing coverts are also distinctive.

Habitat

This species is typically found above the tree-line but below the snowline, favoring grasslands and scrubby areas, often near streams. During winter, it may descend to slightly lower elevations and can be found in stony areas close to human settlements.

Distribution

The robin accentor graces the mountainous regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China, thriving at altitudes between 3,000 and 5,500 m (9,800 and 18,000 ft). It is a non-migratory bird, with a presence in the Tibet Autonomous Region and the Chinese provinces of Qinghai, Gansu, and Sichuan.

Behaviour

This ground-foraging bird is often seen in small groups, searching for insects, other invertebrates, and seeds. The robin accentor exhibits a polyandrous mating system, where a female may have multiple male partners. Each male attempts to remove any existing sperm from the female's cloaca before copulation.

Song & Calls

The call of the robin accentor is a high trill or a repeated "tszi tszi". Its song is quite musical, reminiscent of "si-tsi-si-tsi-tsu-tsitsi", adding a melodious backdrop to its alpine habitat.

Breeding

Nests are constructed off the ground in tussock grass, bushes, or scrub, and are cup-shaped. The robin accentor lays a clutch of about four blue or green, unspeckled eggs. The breeding season spans from May to August, and the possibility of two broods exists.

Conservation Status

The robin accentor enjoys a wide range and is common within parts of it. With no significant threats identified and a stable population, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified it as "Least Concern".