Western Tragopan

The Western Tragopan, also known as the Western Horned Tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus), presents itself as a medium-sized pheasant with a vivid plumage. This bird is a rare jewel nestled in the Himalayan range, its existence a delicate thread in the tapestry of our planet's biodiversity.

Identification Tips

The male Western Tragopan is adorned with a dark, grey, and black plumage, punctuated by numerous white spots, each encircled by black. Deep crimson patches embellish the sides and back of the neck, while the throat reveals bare blue skin, and the face is highlighted with red. A modest black occipital crest crowns their head. The female, in contrast, is cloaked in pale brownish-grey with fine black vermiculations and spots, and feathers marked with black patches and central white streaks. Immature males mirror the females but are distinguishable by their larger size, longer legs, and the presence of black on the head and red on the neck. Males tip the scales at 1.8–2.2 kg, while females are lighter at 1.25–1.4 kg. The males stretch to a length of 55–60 cm, with females slightly shorter at 48–50 cm.

Habitat

The Western Tragopan is an arboreal creature, favoring the dense understorey of temperate, subalpine, and broad-leaved forests. They are known to ascend to higher altitudes during the summer months.

Distribution

This species graces the Himalayas, with five known populations scattered from the north-eastern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan to Uttarakhand within India. They thrive at elevations ranging from 1,750 to 3,600 meters, venturing higher as the warmth of summer caresses the landscape.

Behaviour

The Western Tragopan is mostly arboreal, roosting in trees either solitarily or in pairs, except during the nesting period. They descend to the ground to forage, primarily consuming leaves, shoots, seeds, insects, and other invertebrates.

Song & Calls

The male's display is a theatrical affair, with the throat inflating into lappets that bloom purple with pink margins, and blue horns that evoke the mythical Greek god Pan. Their call is a resonant two-note "wou-weee" that echoes every second for extended durations.

Breeding

Breeding season for these birds is in May and June. They craft their nests in the hollows of low trees, a humble cradle for their future progeny.

Similar Species

There are no similar species mentioned in the provided content.

Diet and Feeding

The Western Tragopan's diet consists of leaves, shoots, seeds, insects, and other invertebrates, foraged from the forest floor.

Conservation Status

The Western Tragopan is classified as Vulnerable, with a global population estimated at fewer than 5,000 individuals. This includes a captive breeding population in Himachal Pradesh. CITES has listed the species in Appendix I to prevent trade of its feathers. It is a range-restricted species, endemic to the Western Himalaya bird area D02. In Himachal Pradesh, where it is the state bird, it is known by various local names, including "jujurana," meaning "king of birds."