Himalayan Monal Lophophorus impejanus

The beautiful Himalayan Monal, also called Impeyan Pheasant after Lady Impey, the first person known to keep it in captivity, lives in temperate forests of the Himalayas, including southern Tibet, eastern Afghanistan to western China, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan and northern India. They show seasonal altitudinal migration, reaching 16,000 feet in summer from 6,000 in winter.

The stunningly beautiful male has iridescent petrol-coloured feathers with a metallic bottle-green head and crest, burgundy neck, golden upper back, royal blue and turquoise body and amber tail.

Their strong beak digs for seeds, roots, tubers and invertebrates.

The metallic green crest and blue skin around the eyes.

Like most pheasants, the female is plainer brown and better camouflaged, but has a white chin, blue skin around the eye and intricate patterning on her body plumage.