Western Tragopan
Tragopan melanocephalus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="tragopan-melanocephalus"></birdfyi-bird>The Western Tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus) is a bird species in the family Phasianidae (pheasants & partridges), within the order Galliformes (gamebirds). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 53 cm and a weight of 1.6 kg. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Vulnerable.
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About
A large pheasant (~1.65 kg) of family Phasianidae, males with black head, crimson body, and white-spotted plumage; display a vivid lappet. The westernmost and rarest tragopan, inhabiting dense temperate forests in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, India, at 2,400–3,600 m. Feeds on plant matter and invertebrates. Vulnerable due to severe deforestation, overgrazing, and hunting in the western Himalayas.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 53.0 cm | 20.9 in |
| Weight | 1650.0 g | 58.20 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Male has black head, crimson-red body densely spotted white, black-and-white wing pattern, and bright blue-and-red inflatable lappets. Female is brown streaked and barred buff; male is stunning.
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Resident in the western Himalayas of Pakistan and India (Himachal Pradesh) at 2,400-3,600 m. Found in dense coniferous and oak forest. Vulnerable.
Diet & Feeding
Eats berries, seeds, leaves, and invertebrates in Himalayan oak and rhododendron forests. Forages on ground and in shrubs.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CV,O.
Clutch Size
3-6
Sound
Song
Loud, wailing 'waaa-waaa-waaak' calls reverberating through Himalayan conifer forest; slightly crow-like but mournful. Alarm is harsh barking 'kak-kak'; male calls persistently at dawn.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes (Gamebirds) |
| Family | Phasianidae (Pheasants & Partridges) |
| Genus | Tragopan |
| Species | Tragopan melanocephalus |
Distribution
Western Tragopan has been recorded in 1 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Western Tragopan eat?
Where does the Western Tragopan live?
Is the Western Tragopan endangered?
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What does the Western Tragopan sound like?
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What order and family does the Western Tragopan belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Phasianidae family