ALPINE ACCENTOR. 
193 
INSESSORES. 
DENTIROSTRES. SYLVIADM. 
PLATE LXXXIII. 
ALPINE ACCENTOR. 
Accentor Alpinus. (Bechstein.) 
The Alpine Accentor, as its name implies, inhabits 
chiefly mountainous countries, especially the Alps of Switzer¬ 
land. It is found in some of the most elevated parts of 
France and Italy ; and it is to be presumed that it also 
may be an inhabitant of many of the mountainous regions 
of Asia, as it is known to be a resident in some of the hilly 
chains of Japan. Upon the Alps these birds are observed 
at all seasons of the year, and chiefly choose the region 
where the snow begins to give place to vegetation. In 
summer they ascend the loftiest of the Swiss mountains, and 
are constantly seen on the St. Bernard, in the vicinity of 
the Hospital, at an elevation of about six thousand feet 
above the level of the sea. In winter they descend into the 
valleys, and in severe weather occasionally frequent farm¬ 
yards and villages. In manners, the Alpine Accentor is a 
staid and quiet bird, and appears not very observant, as it 
betrays but little consciousness of the presence of man. In 
their native regions these birds may be observed associating 
in small parties ; when approached, they only fly to a little 
distance, and settle again, or hop away among the stones 
upon the ground, in the same manner as the hedge Accentor 
conceals itself in our gardens. They are seldom seen to 
perch or rest upon trees, but are usually observed to alight 
upon rocks, or among piles of stones. 
