Species Spotlight: Himalayan Monal
Alex Levitskiy
This week’s featured species is the Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus), normally referred to as the Impeyan Pheasant. It is the time of the year that various pheasants are hatching, including the Impeyan Pheasant at my collection. The Impeyan Pheasant males sport various metallic colors such as green, purple, red, and blue. Their rump is white, and their breast and underparts are black. The tail feathers are copper colored. To top off the beautiful males is a metallic green crest, resembling that of a peafowl, and bare, blue facial skin. The displaying males are quite a sight to see! The Impeyan Pheasant hens, though not as striking as their counterparts, are stunning in their own way. They are a mottled brown overall, and their entire plumage consists of white and black streaks. They have a white throat, a small crest, and blue facial skin. Both sexes have large, curved beaks which these pheasants utilize as they dig for food. These pheasants are native to the Himalayas, so their beak is an amazing asset when they have to dig through frozen ground. Since Impeyan Pheasants are native to mountainous regions, they do tolerate the summer heat very well. Fortunately, they are extremely cold hardy, making them a great pheasant to raise in our climate. This pheasant is noticeably larger than what most people think of when they picture a pheasant. They have distinct, shriek screams, but other than that, they are quiet birds.
In captivity, care should be taken to keep them in a well drained aviary. They are susceptible to West Nile Virus. Also keep in mind that these pheasants dig at, and generally destroy, any greenery. The Impeyan Pheasant is the most common monal kept in captivity, but they are a great choice for any true pheasant lover.
Photo Credit: Alex Levitskiy
Impeyan Pheasant Hen
