The Grandala: A Stunning Blue Thrush of the Himalayas

The grandala (Grandala coelicolor) is a species of bird in the thrush family Turdidae. It is the only species placed in the genus Grandala. It is an arboreal insectivore that lives in the low-to-mid altitudes of the Himalayas and some adjacent regions1. It is found in Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Tibet, and China. The grandala is a striking and colorful bird, with a deep blue body, a black and white head, and black wings with yellow patches. It is about 20-23 cm long and weighs about 38-52 g.

The grandala has a varied diet, consisting mainly of seeds, especially those of thistles, dandelions, and sunflowers. It also eats some fruits, berries, buds, and insects. It often forages in flocks, hanging upside down from the branches to reach the food. It is not very vocal, but it has a pleasant and melodious song, composed of trills, whistles, and twitters. It also has a distinctive call, sounding like “tswit-tswit” or “ti-ti-ti”.

The grandala breeds from April to July, depending on the region. It builds a cup-shaped nest in a tree or a shrub, using grass, moss, lichen, and feathers. It lays four to six eggs, which are pale blue with reddish-brown spots. The female incubates the eggs for about 12 days, while the male feeds her. The chicks are fed by both parents, and fledge after about 15 days.

The grandala has a special place in the culture and folklore of some regions where it lives. In India, it is considered a sacred bird by some tribes, who believe that it brings good luck and prosperity. It is also associated with the legend of Guru Padmasambhava, who is said to have transformed into a grandala to fly to Tibet and spread Buddhism. In Nepal, it is called “nilkantha”, which means “blue throat”, and is believed to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva.

The grandala is a remarkable bird that deserves our attention and admiration. It is a symbol of nature’s diversity and beauty, and a source of inspiration and joy for many people. We hope that this article has given you some interesting information and insights about this amazing bird.