VerySoong

Male HIMALAYAN MONAL (Lophophorus impejanus)  ©Biswarup Satpati (Biswarup)

The Himalayan Monal secures a distinct position among pheasants due to its prominent build, brilliant plumage and strong association with local folklore. Its natural range spreads from eastern Afghanistan through the Himalayas, Northern Pakistan, India, Nepal, southern Tibet and Bhutan.

The scientific name commemorates Lady Mary Impey, the wife of the British chief justice of Bengal, Sir Elijah Impey.

The male monal has been under heavy hunting pressure for its crest feather, which was used for ornamental hats of Himachal men, until 1982 when legal hunting was banned in the state.

The bird from “UP” In the 2009 Disney-Pixar Film Up, the large flightless tropical bird “Kevin” (which is actually a female) is based upon the iridescent appearance of a male Himalayan Monal found at the Sacramento Zoo. The bird, named Genghis, has since died.

Fact Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himalayan_Monal

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