Every state in India has its own special symbols that represent its natural beauty and culture. These symbols include a state animals, bird, tree and flower. One of the most eye-catching and important symbols is the state bird. In this article, we will learn about the state bird of Uttarakhand, its features, where it lives and why it is special to the state.
An Overview of Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is a state in northern India, also known as Uttaranchal until 2007. It shares borders with Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Nepal, Tibet and a small part with Haryana. The state has 13 districts and is divided into Garhwal and Kumaon regions. Its capital is Dehradun. With 45% forest cover and major rivers like the Ganges and Yamuna, it is one of India’s greenest states.
State Bird of Uttarakhand
The state bird of Uttarakhand is the Himalayan Monal. It is a colorful bird found in the high mountains and forests of the Himalayas. The male has shiny feathers in blue, green and copper colors, while the female is brown. It is a symbol of Uttarakhand’s natural beauty and needs protection from hunting and habitat loss.
Where Does it Live?
The Himalayan Monal lives in high mountain forests and meadows between 2,100 to 4,500 meters above sea level. It can be found in:
- Uttarakhand and other Himalayan states in India
- Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan and Tibet
During winter, it comes down to lower heights to find food.
What Does it Look Like?
- The male Monal is very colorful, with shiny green, blue and copper feathers and a green crest on its head.
- The female Monal is brown with a white throat patch and white on its tail.
- The bird is about 70 cm long and weighs up to 2.3 kg.
Young birds look like females, but young males are bigger.
What Does the Himalayan Monal Eat?
The Monal eats:
- Roots and tubers
- Leaves and shoots
- Insects and small bugs
- Nuts
It uses its strong back to dig in the ground or even snow to find food.
Threats and Conservation
The Himalayan Molan is not endangered but faces some threats like:
- Poaching (its colorful crest is used for decoration)
- Human activities like hydroelectric projects
Even though it’s listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, protecting it is still important.


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