IMPEYAN PHEASANT OR DANPHE  (Lophophorus impejanus)

Also known as the Himalayan monal Pheasant .It enjoys special status and protection  as Nepal's national bird.

Status: CITES: Appendix I;             NPWC Act  Schedule I

Distribution:

National: Widespread throughout thehimalayan region.
Global: The impeyan pheasant occurs throughout the Himalyan and associate ranges, from Afaganistan and Kashmir to Sikkim. It is common resident bird throughout most of the Nepal Himalaya.
Habitat: Inhabits the temperature through alpine zones, above 2500 meteres in winter and as high as 4500 meters or more in summer. Frequents steep grassy slopes above the tree linee in summer and rhododendron forest in winter .

Habit: The Impeyan pheasant is found solitary or in small group of six or less.The species feeds upon grass and forb seeds, roots, tubers, bulb, leaves and insects or larvae dug up from the ground.It raids on potato fields and can cause considerable damage if the crop has not been removed.It breeds April to June, nesting on ground, often beside rocks.

Threats: Hunting