 LARGE PHOTO: KURT LANDIG INSET: KENNETH W. FINK |
LARGE PHOTO: KURT LANDIG INSET: KENNETH W. FINK |
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Only two of the three species of Monal, the Himalayan Monal and Chinese Monal, are represented in captivity, as far as is known at present, and the Chinese Monal has only been in captivity for a short time.
The Himalayan Monal or Impeyan Pheasant, with its heavy body shape is very different from any of the other pheasant species. The brilliant metallic plumage of greens, blues, blacks, and purples more than compensates for its squat, heavy shape and long, curved bill. The bill is designed for digging, as is soon apparent if they are kept in too small an aviary. They are tough, hardy birds easily kept by the beginner. In the wild, they are fortunate to have a wide distribution, although they have been greatly depleted over the past three decades. As their name suggests, they come from the Himalayas, from eastern Afghanistan continuously through Pakistan, northern India, Nepal, and Bhutan to southern Tibet. They live at an altitude of 8,000 to 15,000 feet (2,400 to 4,500 meters) and are probably found, in summer, at higher altitudes than any other pheasant. The Himalayan Monal is the national bird of Nepal. Anglia Survival Films, with the help and advice of the World Pheasant Association, has made a wonderful film on this species called The Bird of Nine Colors. |
| Avicultural Notes | |
| Minimum aviary size | 600 sq. ft. (56 m2) with grass or sand base |
| Status in captivity | Good |
| Full adult plumage | Second year |
| Egg clutch size | Unknown, but probably 4 - 8 |
| Incubation Period | 28 days |
| Feeding Habits | Poultry pellets and grain | Special note | Young birds are hard to sex:
the first signs of the cock are black mottling below the beak |