| Actual Image
A rare find (30)
gerhardt
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1976 W: 259 N: 4103]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif) (11585) | Himalayan Monal Pheasant (Lophophorus impeyanus)
Other Names: Impeyan Pheasant, Impeyan Monal
Range: The Himalayas, from eastern Afghanistan to western China
Subspecies: None recognized at this time, but current studies may place birds in north-western India has a new subspecies as they lack the white rump and have more green on breast.
Habitat: Mountainous regions; in summer, they are found in rocky, grass covered meadows and winters in coniferous and mixed forests.
Description: The males are adorned with beautiful metallic colours of green, purple, red and blue; they also have a large white patch on the rump. The breast and under parts are black and the tail is copper. 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. They are basically mottled brown overall, with black, buff and white streaks. Her throat is white and she has a short crest. Hens also have the blue patch around the eyes. First year males resemble the hens, but are larger and have black feathers on the neck and breast.
Status in Wild: Considered stable throughout much of its range, but may have been eliminated in Afghanistan.
Interesting Facts: The national bird of Nepal. Commonly called the Impeyan. (after Lady Impey who first kept them in captivity.)
It was extremely difficult to ID this bird. There are not a lot of resources on the internet available with info on this species. I was also the first time I have seen this interesting bird. I hope you find it fascinating as well. |
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