Grandala

The grandala, known scientifically as Grandala coelicolor, is a striking bird belonging to the thrush family, Turdidae. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism in its plumage. Males are adorned with a blue-gray coat, contrasted by their black tails and wings. Females, on the other hand, are cloaked in a more subdued brownish plumage with white stripes, though they share the gray-blue rump of the males, and their wing feathers are tipped and undersided with white. These birds typically measure between 20.5 to 23 centimeters in length and weigh between 38 to 52 grams.

Identification Tips

When identifying the grandala, look for the male's distinctive blue-gray plumage and the female's brownish coloration with white striping. The gray-blue rump is a key feature in both sexes. Juveniles resemble females but lack the bluish tint on the rump and upper tail coverts.

Habitat

The grandala is an arboreal bird, favoring the low-to-mid altitudes of the Himalayas.

Distribution

This species is found across the northeastern Indian Subcontinent, including Bhutan, India, Myanmar, and Nepal, as well as Tibet and other areas of China. In India, its range extends from the Himalayas in Kashmir through Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Nepal, Sikkim, and east to Arunachal Pradesh.

Behaviour

Grandalas are social creatures, often seen in groups. They have a varied diet that includes insects, fruits, and berries.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the grandala are typically described as "dew-ee" and "dewee," which can be heard across their mountainous habitats.

Similar Species

There are no similar species mentioned for the grandala, as it is the sole species in its genus.

Diet and Feeding

The grandala's diet consists of insects, fruits, and berries, which they forage for in their arboreal habitat.

Conservation status

The grandala is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline or extinction.