Blyth's Tragopan
Tragopan blythii
A large pheasant-like bird with a short tail. Male has a yellow face, gray upperparts with white spots, a bright red breast and back of the head, and a white band on the base of the tail. Female is brown throughout, with uniform pale speckling and an indistinct pale eye-ring. Occurs in dense evergreen montane forests, where it feeds in the undergrowth. The song is a loud, wailing “oooaaahh.”
Identification
Blyth's tragopan pheasant is the largest of the genus Tragopan. Like most pheasants, the male is brightly colored. It is recognized by its rusty red head, yellow facial skin, and that it is spotted with small white dots on its back called ocelli. A black band extends from the base of the bill to the crown coupled with another black band extending behind the eyes. Like the rest of the tragopans, males have two pale blue horns that become erect during mating. Its lappet, a decorated flap, hangs from the throat and is brightly colored. This lappet can be expanded and exposed during mating season as well. Females are not as brightly colored as the male tragopan, for they do not need the extravagant appearance to attract a male counterpart. Overall, they are dark brown with a mixture of black, buff and white mottling. Their simple and dull look is a protection mechanism from other animals, known as camouflage. It also allows the females to protect their young that are in the early stages of life.
Taxonomy
Blyth's tragopan has two recognized subspecies:
- Scientific name
- Tragopan blythii
- Authority
- (Jerdon, 1870)
- Order
- Galliformes
- Family
- Phasianidae
- Genus
- Tragopan
Range and habitat
The animal's population is small and is believed to be decreasing at a rapid rate. Blyth's tragopan is located in many different areas, including Bhutan through north-east India, north Myanmar to south-east Tibet, and also China. The total population is estimated to be about 2,500 to 9,999 birds. This estimate is a very small number compared to some of its relative birds. Tragopan blythii normally flocks to wooded areas as it prefers the undergrowth of evergreen oak and rhododendron forests, and other dark, quiet places. This bird lives at a higher elevation than most birds.
- Migration
- Vertical migration
Behavior
The bird primarily moves up and down the slopes in search for food. It is, however, uncommon for this species to travel far, due to the change in climate from area to area. This is a result of the mild winters in their habitat, which are tolerable for longer periods of time. For the majority of the species, travel is only necessary in attempting to avoid the drying out of their vegetation. In this case, they may move down mountain sides for more comfortable living conditions and a readier food supply. There is little information or support on how the Blyth's tragopan moves, but it is suggested that they travel together in groups of four to five, much like other species of tragopans.
Conservation
There is already some habitat set aside for the T. blythii to survive. These areas include two wildlife sanctuaries and a small reserve in Nagaland, along with some other small areas for the bird to survive.<p>This species is legally protected in all countries in which it is found. Conservation awareness plans need to be implemented in all areas and more people to enforce the laws that are already set in place. With these small sub communities, which are scattered over the habitat areas of the pheasant, it is becoming more and more difficult for the birds to reproduce with the genetic differences they need to survive.<p>The Blue Mountain National park in Mizoram, India is currently taking surveys of how many different Blyth's tragopan can be heard and seen in the area. The population was considered to be about 500 and 5000. The continuing monetization for the Blyth's tragopan is essential for the conservation management aspect of the pheasant. Together with Blue Mountain and the organization proposal there will be a way to help the Blyth's tragopan.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Chestnut-capped Puffbird
Bucco macrodactylus
Attractive small puffbird of lowland rainforest. White below, reddish brown above, with a black mask and single black breast band. As with most puffbirds, can be difficult to spot as it sits motionless on a perch for long periods of time; usually perches fairly low, in the under and midstory in dense vegetation. Prefers forest edges and other areas of dense secondary growth, especially around water.
Lowland Akalat
Sheppardia cyornithopsis
A small shy akalat found in the lower levels of tall forests, often in dark shady areas near water. Note the reddish-brown back and wings, the gray face, and the bright red-orange chest contrasting with a white belly. Almost always found in lowland forest, but a few local populations are found higher up in the foothills. Within its range, most likely to be confused with Forest Robin, but note Lowland Akalat’s plain gray face and distinctive vocalizations. Song is a series of clear, melancholy whistles given with slight pauses in between, “wheeer, gowheer,” as well as faster, more resonant and metallic series of whistles.
Chinchipe Spinetail
Synallaxis chinchipensis
Handsome spinetail restricted to the Marañon Valley in northwestern Peru. Note spotted breast sides, indistinct pale eyebrow, and chestnut wings and tail. Pairs stay fairly low in deciduous forest and scrub, often skulky and difficult to see. Listen for fast sputtering trills.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.