The Lophophorus impejanus (scientific name) or Himalayan monal is found in oak-conifer forests from Eastern Afghanistan through the Himalayas in Pakistan into India, towards North-Eastern parts of India and Myanmar. 27.5 inches in length, this bird has rainbow-coloured plumage with a metallic green head-crest. The eyes are ringed with blue; the neck is metallic brown; it has bluish-black wings and a chestnut coloured tail. The underparts are dark blue. Its diet is comprised of seeds, tubers, shoots, berries and insects, which it digs out with the help of its strong, curved beak. The clutch of the Himalayan monal has 3-5 eggs which are incubated by the female alone for 27 days. Its IUCN listing is the LEAST CONCERN.
Himalayan Monal
