Himalayan Monal
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Cyornis&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="User:Cyornis (page does not exist)">Raman Kumar</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
NameHimalayan Monal
Common NameHimalayan Monal
Scientific NameLophophorus impejanus
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)67.5
Length (cm)66.5
Weight (g)2175
Plumage DetailsThe male Himalayan Monal exhibits brilliant, iridescent plumage with a metallic green head and a prominent, spoon-shaped green crest. The neck is coppery-red, the back is purplish-black, and the rump is a striking white. Its tail is rufous-chestnut. Females are duller, predominantly mottled brown with streaking and a smaller crest.
Vocalization / CallMales produce a loud, high-pitched whistling call, often described as 'kee-wee' or 'woo-woo', especially during the breeding season. They also have various clucking and alarm calls.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatssubalpine forests, alpine meadows, rocky slopes, rhododendron thickets
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound throughout the Himalayan range, from eastern Afghanistan through Pakistan, India (including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh), Nepal, Bhutan, and southern Tibet.
Identifying Featuresiridescent multi-colored plumage (male), prominent metallic green crest (male), white rump patch (male), rufous-chestnut tail (male), large, pheasant-like body
Description
The Himalayan Monal is a large, colorful pheasant known for the male's spectacular iridescent plumage. These ground-dwelling birds are often found foraging on steep, rocky slopes and in subalpine forests, using their strong bills to dig for food.
