Family
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Partridges, Turkeys, Grouse)
Size
75 - 81 cm
First Described (Guide)
Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1866
Habitat
Subalpine rhododendron scrub and subalpine and alpine meadows with exposed cliffs and crags above the treeline. Sometimes moves down into subalpine coniferous forest. From 2,800 - 4,900 m, but is normally found between 3,300 and 4,500 m.
Central China, in Sichuan, Gansu and Yunnan; no recent records from north-western Sichuan, Qinghai or Tibet.
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 10,000 - 20,000 (2010) and decreasing.
Status VU
Degradation of subalpine and alpine meadow by an increase in the grazing of wild yaks, hunting, human disturbance, are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Chinese Monal (Lophophorus lhuysii) [XC768681]
by Dave Guo from Balang Shan, Wolong, Sichuan, China (song)
Chinese Monal (Lophophorus lhuysii) [XC266636]
by Mike Nelson from Balang Shan Pass, Sichuan, China (song)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Similar Species
Male Sclater's Monal (Lophophorus sclateri) (in south-west of range) lacks crest, has more extensive white back and white-tipped rufous tail, female has barred underparts, pale (not white) back and a white-tipped tail.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet