The accentors (Prunellidae) are in the only bird family which is completely endemic to the Palearctic. This small group of 13 closely related passerines are all in a single genus Prunella. Accentor derives from the [defunct?] scientific name for the Alpine Accentor (Accentor collaris). The name comes from Late Latin, meaning "sing with another" (ad + cantor).

All but the Dunnock and the Japanese Accentor are inhabitants of the mountainous regions of Europe and Asia; these two also occur in lowland areas, as does the Siberian Accentor in the far north of Siberia.

These are small, fairly drab species superficially similar, but unrelated to, sparrows; they are generally regarded as being related to the thrushes or the warblers. Their typical habitat is mountainous regions in an area far above the tree-line, but below the snow-line. The Himalayan accentor can be found as high as above 5,000 meters above sea level when breeding, however, most accentors breed in scrub vegetation at lower levels. Most species migrate downwards to spend the winter, with only some being hardy enough to remain.