Alpine accentor

About

The Alpine accentor is a true inhabitant of the highest peaks. In Ukraine, it lives only in the Carpathians, in the subalpine and alpine zones at an altitude of approximately 1,600–2,060 m, among rocky slopes, scree, and cliffs. Its nesting has been confirmed on Chornohora (Petros, Howerla, Pip Ivan Chornogirskiy), on Svydovets, in the Maramureș massif, and in Gorgany; it may also nest on other peaks. Outside of Ukraine, the accentor lives in the Tatras and on high ridges in Romania.

The bird is about 18 cm long and weighs about 40 g, slightly larger than a sparrow. It has a grayish head and chest, reddish spots on the sides, a small black-and-white 'net' on the throat, and a row of white spots on the wing. Males and females are similar.

Accentors are trusting: they often allow tourists to approach closely, running among the stones or sitting on the summit boulders. In summer, they eat insects and spiders, while in autumn and winter, they feed on seeds.

The accentor nests late—in late May or June, depending on when the snow melts. It hides its nest in a crevice of a rock or among stones; the clutch usually contains 3–5 blue eggs, which the female incubates for 14–16 days, and the chicks leave the nest at about two weeks old. The accentor is resident: in winter, it does not migrate but descends into the valleys and often appears near villages and ski resorts.

The Alpine accentor is listed in the Red Book of Ukraine as a vulnerable species.

Where in the Carpathians

The map shows where naturalists recorded the species (GBIF, CC0 and CC BY records), not every place it lives. The Ukrainian Carpathians are less studied, so a blank area does not mean the species is absent.

Countries

Poland · Slovakia · Romania · Ukraine · Hungary · Czechia · Serbia

Mountain ranges

Western Tatras, High Tatras, Făgăraș Mountains, Chornohora, Low Tatras, Lesser Fatra, Börzsöny and Cserhát, Bucegi Mountains, Retezat Mountains, Bükk

Altitude belts

Beech forests (600–1200 m) · Conifer forests (1200–1600 m) · Subalpine belt (1600–1900 m) · Alpine belt (above 1900 m)

When to see it

From naturalists’ observations in the Carpathians (iNaturalist, research grade): the darker the cell, the more often the species is seen that month.

Protection and rules

A species in the Red Book of Ukraine.

Red Data Book of Ukraine

FAQ