The Himalayas are one of the largest biodiversity hotspots of the world. Due to its vast expanse as well as climatic variations, it is home to many rare and beautiful birds. According to research, about 450 bird species in the eastern Himalayas are not found in the western Himalayas. The eastern Himalayas have twice as many species as the western Himalayas.
Among some of the common birds found are different species of magpies, choughs, whistling thrushes and redstarts.
One of the most beautiful birds, which is also the national bird of Nepal, is the Himalayan monal. Its vibrant, iridescent colouring makes it vulnerable to poachers, who hunt it for its feathers and meat.
The Himalayan snowcock is a large bird found in the alpine pastures at elevations of 4,000 to 5,000 m. It descends to lower elevations during winter months.
Some of the birds of prey found here are the Himalayan golden eagle, the lammergeier and the black-eared kite. The Himalayan griffon is one of the largest vultures found here. It is the main scavenger present at Tibetan sky burials.
The Himalayan quail is one of the rarest birds found on Earth. It was last sighted round 125 years ago and is feared to be extinct.
Picture Credit : Google
