A remarkable discovery was made by the staff at Majjistral Nature and History Park, a few days ago, as they stumbled upon an Alpine Accentor, a rare winter visitor to the Maltese islands.

This bird, as captured and showcased on the Park’s social media pages, known for its presence in mountainous regions, found its way to lower altitudes, surprising observers with its stay for at least four days.

Often spotted feeding on seeds with gusto, the Alpine Accentor exhibited unusual tameness, allowing passers-by to observe and photograph it without disturbance.

Referred to locally as Żiemel tal-Alpi, the bird's appearance adds a unique dimension to the rich avian diversity of the region. Interestingly, its name derives from its smaller relative, the Dunnock or Hedge Accentor, a more familiar sight during autumn and winter on the Maltese Islands.

Have you ever seen an Alpine Accentor in Malta?