The Kalij Pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos) is a colorful inhabitant of evergreen and deciduous forests in the foothills of the Himalayan range extending from India, Nepal, Bhutan and even in Myanmar to Thailand. This medium-sized bird feeds on insects, roots, seeds and small reptiles on the forest floor, and visitors can often catch glimpses of the colorful males and the rather drab females scurrying for cover.
Though I have spotted several of these birds during my trips to the Corbett Tiger Reserve and the Rajaji National Park in Uttaranchal state of India, it was very difficult to photograph them as they choose to feed in dark patches of the forest shadowed by trees, that plays havoc with the camera's metering and exposure settings! However, I have been lucky to photograph a few though the images have not been exceptional!
These birds are currently categorized under "Least Concern" in the IUCN Red List, but the population is rapidly dwindling and are on the threshold of being threatened due to rampant hunting and shrinkage of habitat.
These birds have also been introduced in Hawaii in 1962 as a game bird, and are still found there.
Though I have spotted several of these birds during my trips to the Corbett Tiger Reserve and the Rajaji National Park in Uttaranchal state of India, it was very difficult to photograph them as they choose to feed in dark patches of the forest shadowed by trees, that plays havoc with the camera's metering and exposure settings! However, I have been lucky to photograph a few though the images have not been exceptional!
Kalij Pheasant, female
These birds are currently categorized under "Least Concern" in the IUCN Red List, but the population is rapidly dwindling and are on the threshold of being threatened due to rampant hunting and shrinkage of habitat.
These birds have also been introduced in Hawaii in 1962 as a game bird, and are still found there.
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