Why in News?

• Recently, the Sainj Valley in Himachal Pradesh reported a rare sighting of the electric-blue bird Grandala, raising awareness of this elusive Himalayan species.

Concerning Grandala:

• Grandala coelicolor is a member of the Turdidae (Thrush) family.

• Grandala is a monotypic genus, meaning it contains only one species.

• Arboreal insectivores eat insects that grow in trees.

Geographic Range of Distribution and Habitat:

• Found throughout the northeastern Indian subcontinent and neighbouring areas, such as Tibet, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and other parts of China.

• Alpine and subalpine areas are the preferred habitat.

• Range of altitude: 3,000–5,000 meters

Important Features:

• Dimensions: Length: 20.5–23 cm

• 38–52 grammes in weight

• Men Plumage: Eye-catching blue-gray body with black tail and wings

• Women: Brownish feathers with white stripes make up the plumage. White wing feather tips and undersides, gray-blue rump

• Behaviour: During the non-breeding season, they are known to form large flocks, which can consist of up to 200 individuals and provide a breathtaking sight

Conservation Status:

• The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List has listed conservation status as Least Concern.

• Although there are currently no known threats, this species is crucial for high-altitude ecosystem monitoring due to its habitat specificity

Himachal Pradesh’s Sainj Valley:

• In Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district sits the tranquil and little-visited Sainj Valley.

• It is located inside the UNESCO-designated Great Himalayan National Park.

• The valley is renowned for its dense forests, alpine meadows, traditional Himachali villages, and abundant biodiversity.

• It is a significant ecological zone because it provides habitat for a number of endangered plant and animal species.

• The valley is a well-liked location for trekking and ecotourism.