

They are also known to have a range of calls to express everything from raising an alarm to calling out to a potential mate.



So here is an entire story dedicated to this handsome bird!īefore we get onto their morphology, habitats and mating rituals, how about some fun facts? Did you know that Himalayan Monals are frequently mentioned in Nepali songs? They are called Danfe in the local language. We would be lying if we did not say that we are utterly fascinated by the Himalayan Monal. Over the years, we have received numerous Himalayan Monal images-of its colours glistening in the sunlight against the backdrop of Sikkim's hilly terrain, perched on a cliff or as an iridescent blot of colour amid white snow. Whether you are one of the lucky ones to witness this bird in all its glory in person or you are just looking at a photograph-the Himalayan Monal always leaves an impression. They are big gentle birds and many hens will become very tame.There is something about encountering a Himalayan Monal. Fun facts The Himalayan monal also known as an Impeyan monal or Impeyan pheasant They are native to Himalayan forests and are even the national bird of Nepal. Overall, the Himalayan Monal is a wonderful addition to the aviary and despite being a primarily montane species, they have adapted well to many climates and do very well in the aviary. Most aviculturists keep this species in pairs, although it is believed they are polygamous in the wild. This species has been quite susceptible to the West Nile Virus in the United States and several have been lost to the disease in the last few years. They can tolerate cold weather very well, but need plenty of shelter and shade from the hot summer sun as they are birds from the cool mountain forests and unable to withstand extreme heat. They do best on sandy soil that is easy to dig, but do be sure to keep it dry. Like the Eared-Pheasants and Cheer, they love to dig with their strong bills and will often destroy the grass, shrubs and other greenery in the aviary. Aviculture Notes: Impeyans need to housed in a large, well-drained aviary. Status in Aviculture: The Himalayan Monal is the most commonly kept species of the genus Lophophorus and are well established in North American and European aviaries. Commonly called the Impeyan after Lady Impey who first kept them in captivity. Interesting Facts: The national bird of Nepal. Status in Wild: Considered stable throughout much of its range, but may have been eliminated in Afganistan. First year males resemble the hens, but are larger and have black feathers on the neck and breast.
#THE HIMALAYAN MONAL PATCH#
Hens also have the blue patch around the eyes. Browse 336 himalayan monal stock photos and images available, or search for himalayas or tibet to find more great stock photos and pictures. Her throat is white and she has a short crest. They are basically mottled brown overall, with black, buff and white streaks.
#THE HIMALAYAN MONAL SKIN#
The male also has a bare patch of turquoise blue skin around the eye.The hens, while much duller than the male, are still attractive. You can see from the photograph on the right, that the males also have a very long crest, much like a peacock. The breast and underparts are black and the tail is copper. It is a relatively large sized bird averaging 2. Habitat: Mountainous regions in summer, they are found in rocky, grass covered meadows and winters in coniferous and mixed forests.ĭescription: The males are adorned with beautiful metallic colors of green, purple, red and blue they also have a large white patch on the rump. These pheasants are amongst the most beautiful pheasants due to their striking metallic-colored plumage. Subspecies: None recognized at this time, but current studies may place birds in northwestern India has a new subspecies as they lack the white rump and have more green on breast. Range: The Himalayas, from eastern Afghanistan to western China Other Names: Impeyan Pheasant, Impeyan Monal
