Habitat
Subtropical and temperate, evergreen oak and rhododendron forests, generally preferring a dense understorey, often dominated by bamboos or ferns, in steep or rocky terrain. From about 1,400 - 3,300 m.
Bhutan (B), China (mainland) (B), India (B), Myanmar (B).
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 2,500 - 9,999 (2010) and decreasing.
Status VU
Deforestation due to conversion to agriculture, fuelwood-collection and commercial timber extraction, hunting for food are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Voice
Male territorial call is a loud, moaning 'ohh ohhah ohaah ohaaah ohaaaha ohaaaha ohaaaha'.
Blyth's Tragopan (Tragopan blythii) [XC106769]
by Frank Lambert from Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, India (song)
Blyth's Tragopan (Tragopan blythii) [XC455213]
by Lars Lachmann from Benreu, Peren, Nagaland, India (song)
Subspecies
The following 2 subspecies are recognised:
blythii (Jerdon, 1870) - Now largely confined to Nagaland, north-eastern India. Historically reported from Manipur (north-eastern India), Burma and south-central China (north-western Yunnan); may still occur in these areas in small numbers.
molesworthi Baker, ECS, 1914 - Eastern Bhutan (known only from skins of two males and one female).
Similar Species
Male differs from other tragopans by having yellow facial skin and a grey belly patch. Female can be confused with Satyr Tragopan (Tragopan satyra) and Temminck's Tragopan (Tragopan temminckii), but differs from both by yellowish eye-ring and paler, greyer belly, additionally from latter by less distinct pale spots and streaks on underparts. Juvenile initially like female, male gradually attains orange-red on neck during first year.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet