Srinagar, Nov. 10 -- Mauzam Bakshi

Beneath the dense canopy of Himalayan forests, where oak and pine cover mountain slopes and sunlight filters through layers of foliage, the Kalij pheasant moves with quiet elegance. Its glossy plumage, crimson face, and distinctive crest make it one of the most striking birds of the Himalayan foothills. Yet, despite its appearance, the bird remains elusive, spending much of its life among undergrowth and leaf litter, far removed from the open landscapes where wildlife is more readily observed. On October 21, 2021, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir formally declared the Kalij pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos) the official bird of the Union Territory. The decision followed the reorganisation of the erstwh...