Himalayan Monal

(Lophophorus impejanus)
Also known as: Himalayan pheasant, Impeyan monal, Danfe.

Live: Asia and this is the national bird of Nepal.

Habitat Coniferous or mixed forest with bamboo.

Diet and care: Wild diet: seeds, berries, tubers, shoots and invertebrates.
Zoo diet: seed mix, fruit and vegetables.
Enclosure cleaned twice weekly.

Breeding: April – June.
Nest: a simple unlined scraping in the undergrowth.
Eggs: 5, incubated by both mother for 28 days. The male guards the area of the nest, protecting mother and young.

Conservation status: Lower risk. Protected.
Loss of habitat will continue to threaten these and other forest dwellers. Hunting for meat and feathers (male) is illegal but continues.

General: Sexual dimorphism. Male has a variety of feather colours – blue, red, gold, yellow. He has a long brown tail and a short head crest. The female is slightly smaller than the male and is shades of brown with no crest.

Habits: Seasonal movements follow available food availability.
Most of the day is spent foraging.
Often found in pairs or small groups.
Males are more competitive, territorial and aggressive than females.
Very communicative, using display and vocalizations. Males use their crest and tail feathers especially, for display.

Chicks: Light brown ; able to take care of them selves. Fledge ~ 3 months. Completely independent by 6 months.

Predators: Carnivores, birds of prey, humans.