Himalayan Monals

aka Impeyan Pheasants

Lophophorus impeyanus

A Monal cock
Photo courtesy of Kim Roberts

Monals inhabit the Himalayan Mountains, above the 10,000 foot elevation line, especially in open forests, along cliffs, and in Alpine meadows. They feed on a variety of seeds, buds, shoots, roots, tubers, small mammals and insect larvae. In captivity the diet should also include alliums (onions, garlic, etc.), dog kibble and lots of fresh greens.

In nature, pairs may remain together beyond the breeding season but in captive situations it is often necessary to separate the males from the females and young during the fall and winter. While they are very cold-hardy, they need very large, tall aviaries with excellent drainage. These birds prefer to have perching shelves high on the aviary walls.

The 4 to 8 eggs are creamy white and densely spotted with brown. Incubation is 27 days.