Wildlifeof Bhutan
Grandala
Thrushes, Chats & Flycatchers
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Grandala coelicolor
Basic stats
Diet
Insects and small fruit such as Vaccinium berries
Habitat
Breeds in high alpine scrub and meadows at 3,900–5,500m; winters at 2,000–4,300m, when it can be found in orchards
Range
Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Tibet and other areas of China north to south-east Gansu
Size
19–23cm
Weight
38–52g
The grandala is the only species in the genus Grandala, a member of the thrush family 19 to 23cm long and weighing 38 to 52g. The male is intense dark blue with blacker tail and wings, while the female is greyish brown with fine white streaks on the underparts and a greyish-blue rump. Young birds resemble females without the bluish rump tint (Wikipedia, general species account).
It is found in Bhutan, India, Myanmar and Nepal, as well as Tibet and other areas of China north to south-east Gansu. A partial altitudinal migrant, it breeds in high alpine scrub and meadows at 3,900 to 5,500m in summer, descending to 2,000 to 4,300m in winter, when it can be found in orchards. It is social, an insectivore and frugivore.
Quick answers
- What does the Grandala eat?
- Insects and small fruit such as Vaccinium berries
- What habitat does the Grandala live in?
- Breeds in high alpine scrub and meadows at 3,900–5,500m; winters at 2,000–4,300m, when it can be found in orchards
- Where is the Grandala found?
- Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Tibet and other areas of China north to south-east Gansu
- How big is the Grandala?
- 19–23cm
- How much does the Grandala weigh?
- 38–52g