Sclater’s Monal Lophophorus sclateri sclateri is resident in southeast Tibet, orientalis in western Yunnan. HABITAT In summer in alpine meadows and on rocky slopes, to 4200 m (13,780 ft.); in winter in temperate forests, to 2000 m (6,560 ft.). ID & COMPARISON Like other male monals, male has iridescent, multi-colored plumage; unlike other male monals, has short, tufted crest and extensive areas of white on back, rump and uppertail coverts and white tip to cinnamon tail. Blue orbital skin encircles eye like in Himalayan Monal L. impejanus, but black underside lacks iridescent markings. Female lacks crest and has an indistinct whitish throat, greyish lower back, rump and uppertail coverts, vermiculations rather than streaks on underparts, and a white terminal band to tail. BARE PARTS Distinctive yellowish bill; greyish-horn feet (paler in female). VOICE Plaintive cries and ringing whistles. — Craig Brelsford
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Daniel Bengtsson served as chief ornithological consultant for Craig Brelsford’s Photographic Field Guide to the Birds of China, from which this species description is drawn.
