23/09/2025
Uttarakhand is home to several species of pheasants, making it one of the richest regions in India for pheasant diversity. Because of its varied altitudinal range (from the terai lowlands to the high Himalayas), the state supports both lowland and high-altitude pheasants. Here are the main species you can find:
1. Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallichii)
A threatened species (IUCN: Vulnerable).
Found on grassy slopes and open scrub in the mid-Himalayas (1,200–3,000 m).
Can be seen in places like Ranikhet, Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, pangot.
Often seen in small coveys.
2. Koklass Pheasant (Pucrasia macrolopha)
Inhabits temperate and subalpine forests, often between 1,800–3,600 m.
Can be seen in places like Ranikhet, Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, pangot.
Less showy than other pheasants but gives loud calls, especially in the breeding season.
3. Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus)
The state bird of Uttarakhand.
Males are brilliantly iridescent; females are cryptically colored.
Found in forests and alpine meadows, usually above 2,500 m.
Seen in places like Chopta, Tungnath, Kedarnath, and Nanda Devi.
4. Kalij Pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos)
Fairly common in the lower and mid-altitudes (1,000–2,400 m).
Prefers forest edges and scrubby areas, sattal is best place to photograph these pheasants.
Males are glossy black with a white rump; females are brownish.
