A fantastical immortal creature in Buddhism, the kalaviṅka dwells in Buddhist paradise and might be found in the Himalayas.

It has a human head and a bird’s torso and a long flowing tail.

The name means “wonderful sound.” The creature sings with its beautiful voice while still unhatched in the egg.

After the bird is hatched, its call can be heard even more clearly for great distances.

Sources:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalavi%E1%B9%85ka
• http://www.chinabuddhismencyclopedia.com/en/index.php/Kalavi%E1%B9%85ka

Image source (public domain): http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Amidakyohenso_Karyobinga.jpg