Himalayan Monal
NameHimalayan Monal
Common NameHimalayan Monal
Scientific NameLophophorus impejanus
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)75
Length (cm)66.5
Weight (g)2077.5
Plumage DetailsMales exhibit brilliant iridescent plumage, with a metallic green head and crest, a blue facial patch, a coppery-red neck and upper back, and metallic green-blue wings. The lower back and rump are white, and the underparts are black. Females are duller, mottled brown with a white throat and streaked underparts.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a loud, far-carrying whistling call, often described as 'woo-woo-woo' or 'peep-peep-peep', and a crowing alarm call.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatstemperate forest, alpine scrub, rocky slopes
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound throughout the Himalayan region, including parts of Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and southern Tibet.
Identifying FeaturesMale's iridescent green head and crest, Blue bare skin around the eyes (male), Metallic copper-red back (male), White rump patch (male, visible in flight), Large, pheasant-like body
Description
The Himalayan Monal is a large, pheasant-like bird known for the male's spectacular iridescent plumage. These ground-dwelling birds forage by digging for roots and insects in high-altitude forests and alpine scrub.
