Wildlife
Satyr Tragopan Nepal: The Crimson Bird of Himalayan Forest
The satyr tragopan is one of Nepal's most beautiful pheasants -- a crimson and white-spotted bird of dense temperate forest between 2,400 and 4,000 m. Here is where to find it.
Overview
The satyr tragopan (Tragopan satyra) is one of the most spectacular pheasants in the world -- males are covered in brilliant crimson-red plumage dotted with white oval spots, with a blue face and throat lappet (a fleshy blue and red inflatable throat display organ visible during courtship). Females are cryptic brown. The species inhabits dense temperate and sub-alpine forest at 2,400 to 4,000 m altitude, where it is far more often heard than seen.
Best Locations
The Langtang National Park trail section between Ghora Tabela (3,000 m) and Langtang Village (3,430 m) is one of the more accessible areas for satyr tragopan. Birds call loudly in April and May (breeding season) from dense rhododendron forest, making their presence unmistakable -- the call is a series of loud, mournful "waa-waa-waa" notes that carry through the forest.
The Annapurna Sanctuary trail between Sinuwa (2,360 m) and the Modi Khola valley sides up to 3,500 m also holds a significant population. The Makalu-Barun National Park in eastern Nepal has one of the highest densities in the country.
Behaviour and Display
The male's courtship display is extraordinary. He inflates his blue-and-red facial wattles to two to three times their resting size and fans them toward the female, creating a vivid bicoloured display. The display occurs on prominent fallen logs or boulders in the forest during March to May.
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FAQ
Is the satyr tragopan endangered?
The species is classified as Near Threatened. Hunting for its spectacular plumage and habitat loss from deforestation are the main threats. It is fully protected in Nepal.
What is the best time of day to see a tragopan?
Dawn is the best period. Males call from elevated perches in the first two hours of light. A patient observer sitting quietly near a known display site has a reasonable chance of a sighting in April and May.
How do I distinguish a satyr tragopan from a crimson-backed flameback woodpecker or other red birds?
The tragopan is much larger (68 cm for males), ground-dwelling, and the crimson body covered in white spots is unlike any other Nepali bird. The blue facial skin is distinctive.
