Which Himalayan bird is Nepal’s national bird?

The Himalayan monal is Nepal’s national bird.

The Himalayan monal is a large pheasant native to mountain forests and alpine areas across parts of the Himalayas. Adult males are especially recognizable for their iridescent plumage, which can show metallic green, blue, purple, and copper tones. Females are mostly brown and provide camouflage while nesting.

Nepal recognizes the species as the danphe, or Himalayan monal, its national bird. The bird is associated with high mountain landscapes and is also important in the cultural imagery of the region.

The species is not found only in Nepal. Its range includes parts of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, and China. A common mistake is to identify every colorful Himalayan pheasant as a monal; the Himalayan region has several other distinctive pheasants, including the blood pheasant and satyr tragopan.