02/02/2026
A photograph shows a male Himalayan monal flying over Bhutan, displaying iridescent plumage that appears blue, green, purple, gold, and orange in sunlight.
The Himalayan monal is a species of pheasant found in high-altitude forests and alpine meadows across the Himalayan region.
Its range includes Nepal, India, Bhutan, and parts of Tibet, where it inhabits mountainous terrain.
The species is Nepal’s national bird and is known for its distinctive calls and reflective feathers.
The shifting colours seen in photographs result from light interacting with the bird’s naturally iridescent plumage.
