Himalayan Monal

More commonly known as Danfe, this guy is the dandiest of the high altitude birds with its iridescent plumage. It is also the national bird of Nepal and loves to fill the morning air with its far carrying high pitched whistle. Like other high altitude birds, they are easier to see during the autumn and winter as they descend to lower altitudes then and also go about in large parties. The image was kindly provided by Mr. R. Suwal from the Lumbini Crane Conservation Center. If you have some spare time after the trek, Lumbini which is the birth place of Lord Buddha is a great place to visit. While there, make sure to check out the Lumbini Crane Conservation Centre where a small habitat has been created for the benefit of the endangered Sarus Crane.