The Himalayan Monal pheasant is also known as the Impeyan Monal. It is a colourful bird that lives in the Himalayas. This bird is known for its bright and shiny feathers that change colour in the sun.
People in the USA love it for its beauty. They often see it in the bird parks. This pheasant is the national bird of Nepal and is known for its extraordinary flying abilities. Birdwatchers and wildlife photographers love it because of its appearance.
Images of Himalayan Monal Pheasant
Price of Himalayan Monal Pheasant
A Himalayan monal pheasant costs about $250 each or $520 for a pair. It also includes the shipping extras in the USA.
General Characteristics of Himalayan Monal Pheasant
The Himalayan Monal Pheasant has various characteristics that differentiate it from other birds. Below are some apparent characters of this bird:
| General Characteristic | Features Specific to the Himalayan Monal Pheasant |
| Scientific Name | Lophophorus impejanus |
| Size | About 24 to 28 inches long |
| Color | Males have bright and rainbow-like feathers |
| Habitat Preference | Cool, mountainous aviaries or enclosures |
| Diet | Seeds, insects, roots, and greens |
| Behavior | Active, alert, and strong flyers |
Life Span of Himalayan Monal Pheasant
The Himalayan Monal Pheasant lives around 10 to 12 years in the wild. It can reach 15 years or more with proper care.
Interesting Facts Related to Himalayan Monal Pheasant
The Himalayan Monal Pheasant bird attracts people with an interesting blend of colors and exotic beauty. Here are some general characteristics related to this beautiful bird:
1. Changes Colors in the Sun
The feathers of the male bird shine like a rainbow when the sun rays hits. You’ll see greens, blues, purples, and reds mixing in a beautiful way at a certain angle. This effect makes the bird look very attractive.
People often enjoy this display on sunny days. It’s one of the main reasons why bird collectors like this species so much.
2. National Bird of Nepal
This pheasant is the national bird of Nepal. It is valued for both its beauty and rare presence. They are kept in beautiful bird collections in many private zoos.
Their cultural significance attracts even more bird lovers. The rich history of the bird often connects with people as much as its appearance.
3. Female’s Mild Beauty
The female has gentle brown and white unlike the colourful male. This helps her blend in with her surroundings to stay safe. Her gentle patterns are appreciated for their natural elegance.
Bird keepers often notice her decent and calm nature. She beautifully balances the male’s vibrant colours.
4. Excellent at Digging for Food
These birds use their strong beaks to dig into soil. They look for underground seeds, roots, and insects in the wild. They still like digging and scratching in soft ground during captivity.
Bird keepers provide them natural flooring to demonstrate this instinct. This keeps them active and healthy.
5. Voice That Travels Far
These birds have a loud and clear call that can carry over long distances. It helps them communicate across the Himalayan mountains. Their call is quite loud in other habitats as well.
Some keepers describe it as a mix between a whistle and a sharp cry. This sound distinguishes them from other pheasants.
6. Strong Flyers Despite Their Size
Himalayan Monals are powerful and swift flyers, despite being large pheasants. They can take off suddenly and glide in a skillful way. They need spacious places to practice short flights.
People who expect ground birds to move slowly are often surprised by their agility of flight.
7. Seasonal Change in Feathers
Male Himalayan Monals go through a slight change in feather brightness depending on the season. Their colors appear even more bright during the breeding season. This shift of colors is often noticed during spring season.
This adds excitement for people waiting for the breeding months. The seasonal glow is a natural way of attracting mates.
8. Cold Weather Survivors
These birds are naturally adapted to cold Himalayan climates. They can handle cold winters better than many other birds in the USA. Their thick feathers protect them against low temperatures. This adaptation makes them suitable for various parts of the country.
9. Unique Courtship Display
The male performs a courtship display during mating season by fanning his tail and showing his vibrant feathers. He also circles the female and calls out to her.
This display combines sound, movement, and colour. It feels like watching a small but natural performance.
10. Habitual of Early Morning Activity
Himalayan Monals are most active in the early hours of the day. This is when they hunt for food and stay alert for predators in the wild. The bird keepers often notice them exploring and digging right after sunrise.
They tend to slow down and rest by the afternoon. Their routine makes them easy to observe during morning hours.
11. Rare in Bird Markets
The Himalayan Monal is not commonly available in the bird trade. This less specie number increases its value. They are usually sold by trusted breeders with proper licenses when available.
12. Symbol of Good Fortune
The bird is sometimes seen as a symbol of luck and beauty in the Himalayan regions. Their bright appearance and active behavior often bring joy to anyone watching them. They can become a centerpiece of any zoo. This symbolic beauty makes them even more special.
13. Adaptable Diet in Different Environments
Their diet is a mix of plants, insects, and roots in the wild. They adapt well to a diet of grains, greens, and specialized bird feed. They are often provided with mix fresh vegetables and protein sources.
They are easy to care for due to their flexible nature compared to some other birds. A proper diet helps maintain their brilliant feather colors.
14. A Favorite for Wildlife Photography
The Himalayan Monal is a photographer’s dream come true because of its vibrant colours. These birds are often featured in photo sessions. Their combination of beauty and movement creates very attractive images.
Photographers often wait for the perfect angle to capture their metallic shine. Every photo looks unique depending on the light and position.
Sightseeing of Himalayan Monal Pheasant
These colorful birds can be seen in Zoos and other public parks. Here are some famous places at which these birds can be seen:
| Exact Location | State in Which it is Located |
| San Diego Zoo | California |
| Bronx Zoo | New York |
| National Aviary | Pennsylvania |
| Saint Louis Zoo | Missouri |
| Denver Zoo | Colorado |
| Los Angeles Zoo | California |
| Oregon Zoo | Oregon |
| Phoenix Zoo | Arizona |
How to Get Good Clicks of Himalayan Monal Pheasant
This bird is every photographer’s dream subject. A good picture must be taken when the opportunity arises.
- Capture the bird in early morning light to highlight its natural feather shine.
- Use a zoom lens to get close shots without disturbing its movement.
- Position yourself so the sunlight falls directly on the male’s colorful feathers.
- Keep the background natural, like greenery or rocks, to make colors stand out.
- Be patient and wait for moments when the bird spreads its wings or moves in the sunlight.
Concluding Remarks
The Himalayan Monal Pheasant is a beautiful mixture of attractive colours, interesting behaviours, and abilities. It is native to Asia but is found far beyond the continent. This is an exotic bird loved by bird keepers and photographers.
FAQs
1. Can I own a Himalayan monal pheasant in the USA?
Yes, but you need to buy from a licensed breeder and follow your state’s wildlife regulations.
2. What do Himalayan monal pheasants eat in captivity?
They eat grains, seeds, greens, vegetables, and some insects for protein.
3. Where can I see Himalayan monal pheasants in the USA?
They can be seen in some zoos like Denver Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and Woodland Park Zoo.
