| Monal | |
|---|---|
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| |
| Himalayan monal (Lophophorus impejanus) | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| : | [[Template:Taxonomy/Lophophorus]] Temminck, 1813 |
| Type species | |
| Lophophorus impejanus | |
| Species | |
A monal is a bird of genus Lophophorus of the pheasant family, Phasianidae.
Description[edit | edit source]
The males all have colorful, iridescent plumage. Their physique is rather plump. Their diet consists of plants such as roots and bulbs and insects. During mating the males are polygamous where they mates with several females. The females in turn only mate with the selected male and enter into a monogamous relationship. Due to habitat destruction and hunting, they have become rare and their population is endangered.[1]
Species[edit | edit source]
There are three species and several subspecies:
| Image | Name | Common name | Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Lophophorus impejanus | Himalayan monal | Afghanistan and Pakistan through the Himalayas in India, Nepal, southern Tibet, and Bhutan. |
 |
Lophophorus sclateri | Sclater's monal | northeast India, southeast Tibet and northern Burma |
 |
Lophophorus lhuysii | Chinese monal | central China |
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Hoyo, Josep (1992). Handbook of the birds of the world. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 84-87334-15-6. OCLC 861071869.