Any of 12 species of the genus Prunella (order Passeriformes, family Prunellidae), small birds probably related to the thrushes. They are mostly mountain birds, such as the alpine accentor Prunella collaris, found throughout Eurasia. Alpine accentors live above the treeline where their insect food is scarce. Consequently each bird needs a range of about 30 hectares to ensure sufficient food. The British representative is the dunnock or hedge sparrow Prunella modularis.

UK ornithologists discovered 1995 that female alpine accentors sing to attract mates, behaviour usually limited to male birds.