Cheer Pheasant

Catreus wallichii

The Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallichii) is a strikingly beautiful bird found in the western Himalayas. This medium-sized pheasant is known for its vibrant plumage and distinctive call, which echoes through the alpine meadows and coniferous forests. The male has a striking combination of bright red, blue, and green plumage, while the female is more subtly colored with a mottled brown and black pattern. These pheasants are primarily ground-dwelling, foraging for seeds, berries, and insects. Due to habitat loss and hunting, the Cheer Pheasant is facing population declines and is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN.

Habitat: Alpine meadows and coniferous forests