Satyr Tragopan
Tragopan satyra
central and eastern Himalayas
 

Measurements

Length: 58 to 72cm
Weight: 1 to 2.1kg

Diet

Seeds, fresh leaves, shoots of bamboo, berries and insects.

Identification

The male of this species has the darkest, deepest red underparts of all tragopans, with the brighter crimson-red colouration typical of these birds being restricted mainly to the neck and upper breast. Elsewhere the plumage is primarily dark reddish-brown to black, spotted with small, black-edged white dots, except for a crimson streak on each side of the crest and red under tail coverts.

Behaviour

As the breeding season approaches, calling can be heard at dawn and males perform elaborate courtship displays to attract females. The male's blue throat bib will be seen more and more. Often the cock will give his head a shake and the bib will "fall".

 

 

 

Distribution & Habitat

Inhabits mountainous oak and rhododendron forests of the central and eastern Himalayas from about 8,000 to 14,000 feet in summer and 6,000 feet in winter.

Reproduction

The breeding season is from late April to June. Nests on trees. 3-5 eggs, reddish buff with red speckles.

Conservation

Listed as vulnerable, believed there are less than 20,000 remaining in the wild.