Western tragopan  (Tragopan melanocephalus)

Biology

The western tragopan lives in small family parties (6), and is believed to be primarily monogamous (5). Pairs start to form at the beginning of April, when males establish territorial calling perches, from which they call loudly throughout the day (5), and mating generally occurs between April and June (7). A rudimentary nest is established either on the ground or in trees, usually using the abandoned nest of another species (7). Clutches of two to six eggs (4) (7) are incubated solely by the female, although the male will help tend to the chicks once hatched (5). Family parties stay together for the autumn and winter (7), and like other tragopans, disperse again in spring, when males establish calling territories once more (5).

The diet primarily consists of leaves of trees and shrubs, but also includes roots, flowers, acorns, seeds, berries, grubs and insects (7). Tragopans are shy and wary birds; quick to hide amongst the dense vegetation they inhabit if disturbed (6).

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