The Black-throated Accentor (Prunella atrogularis) is found across temperate and subarctic Asia. This migratory species winters in India and other parts of southern Asia in scrub or cultivations.
This is a rare vagrant in western Europe.
Nesting / Breeding
The Black-throated Accentor builds a neat nest low in spruce thickets. The average nest consists of 3 – 5 unspotted blue eggs.
Description
The Black-throated Accentor averages 13.5-14 cm in length. It has a streaked dark brown back, somewhat resembling a House Sparrow, but adults have a black crown, face patch and throat, and a white supercilium. The chest is orange, and the belly white with orange stripes. Like other accentors, this species has an insectivore’s fine pointed bill.
Males and females look alike. However, the winter plumage and the plumage of juveniles are less contrasted. For example, the dark throat may be almost absent in young birds.
Song / Vocalization
Its call has been described as a fine ti-ti-ti, and its song is similar to the Dunnock’s quiet twittering.
