Wildlifeof Nepal
Himalayan Monal
Pheasants, Partridges & Quails
Photo: egorbirder · CC-BY
Lophophorus impejanus
Basic stats
Diet
Tubers, nuts, tender leaves, shoots, insects and other invertebrates
Habitat
Himalayan forests and shrublands at 2,100–4,500m; descends to about 2,000m in winter
Range
Himalayas from Afghanistan and Pakistan through Nepal, India, southern Tibet and Bhutan
Size
61–76cm
Weight
1.4–2.3kg
The Himalayan monal, called danphe in Nepal, is the national bird of Nepal. It is a large landfowl, 61 to 76cm long and weighing 1.4 to 2.3kg. The adult male has multicoloured plumage, with a long metallic green crest, coppery feathers on the back and neck and a prominent white rump that shows in flight, while the female is more subdued (Wikipedia, general species account).
It lives in Himalayan forests and shrublands at 2,100 to 4,500m and descends to about 2,000m in winter. It tolerates snow and digs through it for plant roots and invertebrates. The diet is mostly tubers, nuts, tender leaves, shoots, insects and other invertebrates, with plant matter making up a large part. It ranges from Afghanistan and Pakistan through Nepal, India, southern Tibet and Bhutan.
Quick answers
- What does the Himalayan Monal eat?
- Tubers, nuts, tender leaves, shoots, insects and other invertebrates
- What habitat does the Himalayan Monal live in?
- Himalayan forests and shrublands at 2,100–4,500m; descends to about 2,000m in winter
- Where is the Himalayan Monal found?
- Himalayas from Afghanistan and Pakistan through Nepal, India, southern Tibet and Bhutan
- How big is the Himalayan Monal?
- 61–76cm
- How much does the Himalayan Monal weigh?
- 1.4–2.3kg