Monal, biologically known as Lophophorous Impejanus, is the state bird of Uttarakhand. The bird is perhaps the most colourful and majestic in the world. The Monal bird lives a royal life, because of which it is also called the ‘Monarch Of The High Mountain’.
Besides being the state bird of Uttarakhand, Monal is also the state bird of Himachal Pradesh and the national bird of Nepal. In Nepal, it is called Danphe. This beautiful bird can also be seen in the regions of our neighbour countries, such as Pakistan, Bhutan, and Afghanistan. However, it is rarely seen, and you are privileged if you get a chance to witness the state bird of Uttarakhand.
Are you curious to witness this colourful yet mesmerising bird? This blog will describe Monal in detail and share the place and time where you can witness it!
Describing Himalayan Monal: The Beauty Of Himalayan Trees
Monal is a colourful bird with a greenish head, blue eyes, redneck, dark blue throat, and breasts. The dark blue of the throat and breasts continues to the belly and beyond. Its wings have metallic sheen colour, and the rufous colour makes its tail more attractive. The area under the wings, which is generally hidden, is white. With this colourful anatomy, The state bird of Uttarakhand attracts the observer’s attention. Talking about weight and size, the Himalayan Monal weighs 60 kg and is 70cm long.
Biological Classification Of Himalayan Monal
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Sub Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Lophophorus |
| Species | L. impejanus |
| Binomial Name | Lophophorus impejanus |
| Feeding Habits | Tubers, roots, bulbs, seeds, flowers, arthropods |
| IUCN status listing | Least concern |
Facts About Himalayan Monal
The state bird of Uttarakhand is similar to other birds, but just like human beings, it has different traits. In the section below, you will learn some facts about Impeyan Monal.
- Impeyan Monal or Impeyan Pheasant is omnivorous; they eat a variety of insects, roots, seeds, flowers, and berries.
- Impeyan Pheasant changes their home according to the season. In summer, these birds live at 16,000 feet. As temperature drops in winter, they migrate down as low as 6,5oo ft.
- The lifespan of Monal is noted as 10-12 years.
- Himalayan Monals are monogamous and form a strong bond with their pair.
- The female Monal lays 3-5 eggs at one time and incubates eggs for 27 days. The male Monal stays nearby to protect the eggs.
- Only female Monal collects and scrapes for the nest; male Monal does not contribute to it.
Where Does Himalayan Monal Find?
If you want to witness the state bird of Uttarakhand, visit the Himalayan Ranges. Autumn is the breeding season of the Impeyan Monal. You may see males making mating calls or couples intimating during this season in the zoo. These days Monal birds are preserved in zoos to increase awareness about the state bird of Uttarakhand. You can also find them on the teak trees in forests.
Takeaway!
Birds are the beauty of trees and our ecosystem. They deserve to be on the earth equal to human beings. Monal is an endangered species and is included in the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. The number of birds is declining rapidly because they have been hunting for their beautiful and colourful features. Moreover, people kill Impeyan Pheasants to eat, and natives of Himachal use their feathers in caps. Therefore, the state bird of Uttarakhand is on the way to disappearing.
Save Nature, Save Earth!
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