Meet Himalayan Monal – The Nine Coloured Mountain Pheasant

Monal (also known as the Impeyan Pheasant or Impeyan Monal) is one of the most stunningly beautiful birds in the world. This large size pheasant is also known as “nine-coloured bird”. The bird has an iridescent rainbow-like plumage. However the look of the bird is pleasing to eyes but you might get exhausted if you try to assess (count) the numbers of colors on the bird.

Beautiful Monal is an endangered species and is included in Wild Life Protection act of 1972. The beauty and charm of this bird had become a curse of itself. The number of these species was declining because of its beautiful feathers. Skins of these birds were used as showpiece by filling hay. The male's crest was used as an adornment of hat by people. It is assumed a symbol of power & authority and it brings status to its wearer. This species got some relief, when hunting was banned in the state in 1982. They are found mainly in himalayan regions of India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and Burma. India most specifically, they are found in Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.