Living in large flocks, of ten in high mountain passages alpine forests, and middle high mountain meadows, this is a great thrush you will not find anywhere else

Found in the mid to low altitudes of the Indian subcontinent, down to Tibet and parts of China, it is a striking member of the thrush species, unlike any other.

MEET THE GRANDAL CELICOLOR SPELL.

The adult male of this species of Grandala bird (Grandala coelicolor) has a rich, deep, mesmerizing blue color throughout the body, except for the dark black wings. This blue color is so intense that it almost blinds the eyes.

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The females of this species are brown with white streaks around the head and chest, with white stripes on each wing. While immature birds tend to look like females.

Both males and females have long bills and can be found in large flocks, similar in size to their thrush cousins.

This bird is found at mid to low altitudes and is found primarily in the Himalayas in Bhutan, India, Nepal, as well as Tibet and parts of China.

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Breeding occurs from May to July when the birds build a cup-shaped nest on a ledge.

Although these birds may be members of the thrush family, they actually behave differently. Being insectivores, they hunt insects, but instead of hunting them on the ground, as a thrush would do, they prefer to catch them in flight. They also love to eat fruits and berries.

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The exact abundance of Grandala coelicolor is unknown. However, at the time of writing, their population is not believed to be under any threat.

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H/T:onebigbirdcage