Grandala

Grandala : Recently, a rare electric-blue bird, the Grandala, was spotted in the Sainj Valley of Himachal Pradesh. This striking species is known for its vibrant plumage and limited sightings in the region.

• About Grandala : A unique bird species in the thrush family (Turdidae), and the only species in the genus Grandala.

o Diet & Lifestyle: It is an arboreal insectivore, primarily feeding on insects in trees.

o Geographic Range: Found across the northeastern Indian subcontinent and nearby regions, including Bhutan, India, Nepal, Myanmar, and parts of China like Tibet.

o Preferred Habitat: Inhabits alpine and subalpine zones, typically at elevations of 3,000 to 5,000 meters.

o Features: Size: Body length ranges from 20.5 to 23 cm; weight between 38 to 52 grams.

ü Male Plumage: Striking blue-gray body with black wings and tail.

ü Female Plumage: Brownish body with white stripes, gray-blue rump, and white-tipped wing feathers.

ü Flocking Behavior: Known for forming large flocks, sometimes up to 200 birds especially during the non-breeding season.

o IUCN Red List: Classified as Least Concern