The Monal pheasant (Lophophorus impejanus), also called the Himalayan Monal, Impeyan pheasant or Danphe, is one of the most spectacular birds of the Himalayas. With shimmering iridescent plumage in green, blue, copper and violet hues, this bird stands out as a living gem of the high mountain forests and alpine meadows.
In recognition of its beauty and significance, India Post issued a commemorative stamp featuring the Monal Pheasant on April 28, 1975, as part of its “Indian Birds” series. The Rs. 2 multicolour stamp celebrates India’s rich avifauna and has become a prized collectible for philatelists.
Natural Habitat & Behavior
Native to the Himalayan region of South Asia, the Himalayan Monal lives in oak-conifer forests, grassy slopes and alpine meadows typically between 2,400 and 4,500 m elevation. As a ground-dwelling bird, it forages for tubers, shoots, seeds, insects and invertebrates, even digging through snow in winter.
The male’s dazzling colors do more than impress birdwatchers; they play a role in courtship displays during the breeding season (April–August), while females, with earthy brown plumage, are camouflaged to protect nests.
The 1975 Indian Birds Stamp
The Monal Pheasant stamp was part of a collection celebrating iconic Indian birds. Printed at the Security Printing Press, Nashik and denominated at Rs. 2, approximately 2 million copies were released, making it a classic Indian philatelic issue.
For collectors, this stamp is valued not only for its design but also for representing conservation awareness long before eco-themes became mainstream. It highlights India’s biodiversity and encourages appreciation of native wildlife.
Conservation & Cultural Importance
Although classified as Least Concern globally, the Himalayan Monal faces threats from poaching and habitat disturbance. Historically, its colorful crest was prized for traditional Himachali caps — a practice now banned to protect populations.
Today, this species is protected under Indian wildlife laws and continues to intrigue naturalists and trekkers alike, embodying the wild spirit of the high Himalayas.
Trivia Points About Monal Pheasant (History & Culture)
- The scientific name Lophophorus impejanus honors Lady Mary Impey, a noted 18th-century naturalist.
- The Himalayan Monal is the national bird of Nepal, locally known as danphe.
- It was once the state bird of Himachal Pradesh until 2007.
- In Uttarakhand, it is still celebrated as the state bird.
- The male’s crest was historically used on traditional caps as a status symbol.
- Himachal Pradesh banned hunting the Monal in 1982 to protect its population.
- The bird was featured on an Indian postage stamp on April 28, 1975.
- This stamp was part of the celebrated Indian Birds series.
- Male Monals can weigh over 2 kg, larger than most other pheasants.
- They make a whistling call often heard at dawn and dusk.
- The bird’s feathers change color slightly depending on the angle of light.
- Monals migrate altitudinally, descending to lower forests in winter.
- Their nests are simple ground scrapes hidden under bushes or rocks.
- Monals form flocks in winter called coveys.
- The stamp’s multicolor design reflects the bird’s vivid habitat and plumage.
Love nature and rare stamps? Subscribe to our blog for more wildlife stories, fascinating bird facts, and expert philately guides. Discover how nature and history come together on every stamp!