Himalayan Monal
NameHimalayan Monal
Common NameHimalayan Monal
Scientific NameLophophorus impejanus
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)73
Length (cm)71
Weight (g)2180
Plumage DetailsThe male displays brilliant iridescent plumage, including a metallic green head with a long, spoon-shaped crest, a bare blue patch around the eye, a coppery-red neck, and a vibrant purple-blue body. The lower back is white (though not visible in this image), and the tail is a striking chestnut brown.
Vocalization / CallKnown for loud, piercing whistles and a series of clucking or cackling calls, especially during alarm or display.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatssubalpine forests, rhododendron forests, coniferous forests, rocky slopes, alpine meadows
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound throughout the Himalayan region, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, India (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh), Nepal, Bhutan, and southern Tibet.
Identifying Featuresiridescent multi-colored plumage (male), long, spoon-shaped crest (male), bare blue facial skin, chestnut tail (male), large pheasant size
Description
The Himalayan Monal is a large, colorful pheasant known for the male's spectacular iridescent plumage. These ground-dwelling birds forage for roots, tubers, and insects in high-altitude Himalayan forests and rocky slopes.
