Prunella koslowi
The Kozlov's Accentor, Prunella koslowi, is a small, rather drab but subtly beautiful passerine belonging to the family Prunellidae, distinct from the more familiar thrushes and Old World flycatchers. Measuring approximately 15-17 cm in length with a weight typically ranging from 19-24 grams, it features a streaked brown back, a pale grey throat and breast contrasting with rufous flanks, and a distinctive pale supercilium that gives it a somewhat 'surprised' or 'stern' look. Its bill is slend...
Primarily inhabits high-altitude, arid, rocky scrublands and stony slopes with sparse vegetation, often near scree and dwarf juniper or rhododendron. Typically found at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 4,500 meters.
Primarily insectivorous during the breeding season, consuming small invertebrates such as beetles, ants, and spiders. Shifts to a largely granivorous diet of small seeds and berries during the harsher winter months.
Kozlov's Accentor is a largely terrestrial and secretive bird, spending most of its time foraging on the ground among rocks and low vegetation. It exhibits a diurnal activity pattern, being most active during early morning and late afternoon. Foraging involves a characteristic creeping gait, glea...
The Kozlov's Accentor is endemic to the high-altitude, arid mountains and plateaus of Central Asia. Its primary breeding range encompasses much of Mongolia, particularly the Altai, Gobi-Altai, and Khangai mountain ranges, extending into adjacent regions of central and western China, including Xin...
Least Concern
- Kozlov's Accentor is named after Pyotr Kozlov, a Russian explorer and naturalist who collected the first specimen in 1891. - Despite its drab appearance, it is incredibly well-adapted to some of the most extreme cold and arid high-altitude environments on Earth. - Unlike many passerines, accent...