Photo: Daniel Giraud Elliot / Public domain (Wikimedia Commons)
Western Tragopan
Tragopan melanocephalus
Western Tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus) — Gamebirds of South & Southeast Asia.
Found across 2 guides in our atlas — open any for the full checklist, photos and what's around right now.
The Western Tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus) is a member of the Phasianidae family found in South & Southeast Asia. Adults weigh 1.6 kg. The IUCN Red List lists it as Vulnerable.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (opens in a new tab)Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Galliformes
- Family Phasianidae Pheasants & Allies
- Genus Tragopan
- Species melanocephalus
Quick facts
- Weight
- 1.6 kg
- Diet
- Plant-eaters
- Family
- Phasianidae
- Order
- Galliformes
- Habitat
- Woodland
How to identify
Similar birds
Least Concern
Vulnerable
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Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Western Tragopan feeds mainly on plant material such as leaves, buds and shoots.
Behaviour
A bird of dense forest, it uses a wide range of foraging strategies.
Migration
The Western Tragopan is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Western Tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus) is a species of bird in the Phasianidae family, part of the order Galliformes. It occurs naturally across South & Southeast Asia. Its distribution covers OR Himalayas.
It is a very large bird. Adults weighs around 1.6 kg, with a wing length of about 26.5 cm and a tail of around 21.3 cm.
It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern. Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.
Its mapped global range covers an estimated 22,000 km² — a relatively restricted global range.
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Western Tragopan?
The Western Tragopan is a very large bird that weighs around 1.6 kg.
Where does the Western Tragopan live?
The Western Tragopan is found across South & Southeast Asia with a range covering OR Himalayas, where it is typically found in wooded and forested habitats.
What family does the Western Tragopan belong to?
The Western Tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus) belongs to the Phasianidae family, in the order Galliformes.
What does the Western Tragopan eat?
The Western Tragopan feeds mainly on plant material such as leaves, buds and shoots.
Does the Western Tragopan migrate?
The Western Tragopan is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Is the Western Tragopan endangered?
It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.
What sound does the Western Tragopan make?
1 real field recording of the Western Tragopan — including its call — can be played in the Songs & calls section on this page, credited to the recordist who captured it.
How large is the Western Tragopan's range?
The Western Tragopan has a mapped global range of about 22,000 km².
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
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