Animalia Life

Prunella rubeculoides
TAXONOMY
Prunella rubeculoides Moore, 1854.
OTHER COMMON NAMES
French: Accenteur rougegorge; German: Rotbrustbraunelle; Spanish: Acentor de Cola Roja.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Length is about 6.5 in (16–17 cm). The back is colored gray streaked with brown, the head grey, the belly whitish, and the breast rusty-orange.
DISTRIBUTION
A widespread species in the Himalayas, the Tibetan Plateau, and other highlands of eastern Asia.
HABITAT
Mostly occurs in high montane forests of rhododendron and in willows and sedge in meadowlands, but also ventures above the tree-line to scrub habitats and wet meadows. A local, shortdistance migrant that winters in lower-altitude valleys, often around human habitation. Breeds from about 9,850 to 14,000 ft (3,000 to 4,260 m) and winters as low as 4,900 ft (1,500 m).
BEHAVIOR
Usually occurs singly, in pairs, or in small groups. A relatively tame bird. The song is a high-pitched, repeated phrase.
FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET
Forages on the ground for insects, spiders, and other invertebrates. Feeds on seeds and fruits during the winter.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY
Polyandrous. Builds a nest on the ground, often near a stream.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Not threatened. A widespread species within its habitat.
SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS
None known.

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