Grandala Bird

Why in News?

Recently, a rare 'Grandala' Electric-Blue Bird was spotted in Sainj Valley, Himachal Pradesh.

• Grandala is the only species within the genus Grandala.
• Scientific name - Grandala coelicolor.
• Family – Turdidae.
• Size - Medium-sized, measuring approximately 25-27 cm in length and weighing between 38-52 grams.
• Plumage - Males are a deep blue with black wings, while females are brownish with white stripes and a grey-blue rump.
• Distinctive Features - Males have a black throat patch. In flight, a white patch on the wing covers is visible.
• It has a clear sexual dichromatism or easy distinction between male and female birds.
• Behaviour - They are social and always seen in flocks.

The sight of a flock of Grandalas in flight has been described as a "hypnotic effect" and compared to a tree "suddenly in bloom" when they alight on bare branches.

• Habitat - They prefer alpine and subalpine regions, including rocky outcrops, scrublands, and alpine meadows at elevations typically between 3,000 to 5,000 meters.
• They also inhabit fruit orchards and descend to lower elevations during winter.
• Distribution - Found primarily in the low to mid-altitudes of the Himalayas, including areas within India (Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh), Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Tibet, and other parts of China.
• Primary Diet - Grandalas are arboreal insectivores, feeding on various insects, larvae, nymphs, caterpillars, moths, and seeds.
• Breeding - Building nests on cliff faces with materials like sticks, moss, and feathers.
• Conservation status - IUCN - Least Concern.

Reference

1. TIMESNOW| Rare Grandala species spotted in the Himalayas
2. TOI| Meet the electric blue bird of the Himalayas