Himalayan Monal
Image: patrickwilliamjones (cc-by-nc)
NameHimalayan Monal
Common NameHimalayan Monal
Scientific NameLophophorus impejanus
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)75
Length (cm)70
Weight (g)2000
Plumage DetailsMale plumage is highly iridescent, featuring a metallic green head, blue-purple neck, coppery-red back, and a prominent metallic green crest. The lower back is white, and the tail is rufous. Females are duller, mottled brown with a white throat, a smaller crest, and a pale streaked underside.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a loud, clear whistling call, often described as 'hoo-hoo-hoo' or 'kur-kur-kur', and a crowing sound, particularly during the breeding season. They also emit alarm calls when disturbed.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatssubalpine forests, alpine scrub, rocky slopes, coniferous forests, rhododendron thickets
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound throughout the Himalayan range, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, India (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh), Nepal, Bhutan, and southern Tibet.
Identifying Featuresiridescent multi-colored plumage (males), prominent metallic green crest (males), large size, white rump patch (males), strong, curved bill for digging
Description
The Himalayan Monal is a large, colorful pheasant known for the male's spectacular iridescent plumage. These ground-dwelling birds forage for roots and insects in high-altitude forests and rocky slopes of the Himalayas, often seen digging with their strong bills. They are the national bird of Nepal.
