Monal – State bird of Uttarakhand

 

Monal is a beautiful Himalayan bird possessing nine colors in itself.  Bird with a shrill whistle voice inhabits in cool temperature altitude from 2500meter to 5000 meters Monal prefers open meadows spreading in the Oak and Conifer forest. In winter it is found in low altitude. Monal is symbolizing state bird of Uttarakhand and is also known as Lophophorus Impejanus.

 

Male Monal is more beautiful are in stunning color and large in size.  Weight of a Monal is between to 2kg to 3kg. Having nine striking color head is of green color, eye area turquoise, neck is combination of red, yellow and metallic green color, body is of blue and white and under parts is black, and tale in copper red color. These birds slightly look like peacock. Female Monal reflects little dull than male.

 

Monal breeds only once in a year in the month of April to August.These are seen usually seen in pairs. Monal is an endangered species and is included in Wild Life Protection act of 1972.The number of these species is declining because of its beautiful feathers it is target of hunters. Skins of these birds are used as showpiece by filling hay, People kills these birds to eat and native of Himachals used its feathers for their caps. Wild life act take a back seat and killing these birds is in way of diappear.