Tragopan satyra
satyr tragopan

Satyr tragopans are found in the central and eastern parts of the Himalayas (Harper, 1986). For the most part, they are the only tragopan in Bhutan and Nepal (Madge and McGowan, 2002). (Harper, 1986; Madge and McGowan, 2002)

Satyr tragopans are quite hardy, and live in mountainous regions (Harper, 1986) from approximately 2400 to 3700 m and sometimes up to 4300 m (Johnsgard, 1986). They are found at lower elevations in the western part of their range (Madge and McGowan, 2002). Satyr tragopans are found in chilly, damp areas (van der Mark, 1962) or in dry temperate coniferous forests (Johnsgard, 1986). They are found in oak forests with an understory of bamboo and rhododendron or mixed conifer and deciduous forests (Madge and McGowan, 2002). They are also found in rocky areas or gorges with small flowing streams, undergrowth of lilac, primrose, violets, strawberry, and forget-me-nots may be present (Johnsgard, 1986). (Harper, 1986; Johnsgard, 1986; Madge and McGowan, 2002; van der Mark, 1962)

Males are approximately 71 cm in length, and females are approximately 61 cm long (Harper, 1986). For males, wing length ranges from 245 to 285 mm, and tail length ranges from 250 to 345 mm. Female wing length and tail length measure 215 to 245 mm and 195 mm, respectively (Johnsgard, 1986).

The males are bronze-like to burnt-orangish (van der Mark, 1962) to orange-crimson (Johnsgard, 1986) in their neck, breast, and abdomen, and their backs are a darkish brown with a lighter brown mottling. The breast may be crimson (van der Mark, 1962). They have overall spotting from just below the neck; the spots are white encircled with black. Their heads have a black, sickle-shaped marking on both cheeks from the neck to the back of the eye back toward the neck (Harper, 1986). They have a bluish face (Johnsgard, 1986). The chin is blue to almost black and may blend in with the sickle-shaped marking. There is also a thin black necklace which partially extends around the throat (Harper, 1986). The shoulders are crimson, and the primaries are deep brown with buff mottling. Under the tail, the feathers are crimson with white spots encircled with brown, with black fringing on the ends. The lower back, rump and shorter tail coverts are olive-brown with the same spotting, and the longer tail coverts are amber-brown. The legs are pinkish to greyish-white and the beak is black. Two alula quills are present that are chestnut with dark brown mottling on the inner tips. Horns and orbital skin are a brilliant blue. The lappet (or gular wattle) is also a brilliant blue, and when extended, four to five triagular-shaped patches of brilliant scarlet on bright sage green edging are shown (Johnsgard, 1986).

The females are an overall brown (van der Mark, 1962) with ochre streaking and blackish blotching. The tail is a rufous-brown with broken buff and black barring. The outer tail feathers are barred. Underneath, the overall coloration is similar to males, but is paler. In some females, a grey tint may be present overall. The legs are a fleshy greyish-brown, and the beak is a brownish color (Johnsgard, 1986).

After four months, young males have a black bar on their tail feathers and sporadically placed orange-red feathers on their throat (van der Mark, 1962). Usually, immature males will not develop full adult plumage until their second year and will not be able to breed until this time (Johnsgard, 1986). (Harper, 1986; Johnsgard, 1986; van der Mark, 1962)

We do not have information on lifespan/logevity for this species at this time.

These birds are more dependent on flight than other tragopans. They also like to perch (Harper, 1986). Satyr tragopans will migrate up and down the slope of the Himalayas, wintering 1000 to 2000 m lower in elevation than they ordinarily live during the breeding season (Johnsgard, 1986).

Satyr tragopans are unobtrusive birds, they are often hidden and difficult to see in their natural habitat. Even when flushed, the birds will quickly fly into nearby branches and disappear from view. During the summer, they are found in pairs. During the post-breeding season, they may be found in small groups. At other times of the year, they may be solitary (Madge and McGowan, 2002). (Harper, 1986; Johnsgard, 1986; Madge and McGowan, 2002)

Home Range

We do not have information on home range for this species at this time.

The call of the male is a wail uttered as "wah waah oo-ah oo-aaaaa," becoming louder as the call progresses. The call is repeated 12 to 14 times. It is usually uttered during sunrise and may last around 30 minutes (Madge and McGowan, 2002). Prior to the wail, a one-note "bleat" call may be uttered. During the spring or fall, a "wah wah" call is uttered by both females and males and may function in courtship. An alarm "wak wak" call is uttered by females and males when they are flushed from cover (Johnsgard, 1986).

Males have elaborate displays that they use to attract females during the breeding season (see Mating Systems). (Johnsgard, 1986; Madge and McGowan, 2002)

These tragopans eat insects, a lot of green vegetation, berries, and other fruit (van der Mark, 1962; Harper, 1986). Satyr tragopans especially like the petals, buds and leaves (Madge and McGowan, 2002) of plants such as the paper laurel, rhododendrons, ferns, daphne, and bastard cinnamon (Johnsgard, 1986). They also eat bamboo shoots, rhododendron seeds and bulbs from the onion family. The insects they eat include earwigs, ants and cockroaches. They will also consume invertebrates such as spiders and centipedes. In captivity, these tragopans eat fruits and berries almost exclusively (Johnsgard, 1986).

When in a feeding area, satyr tragopans will forage during the early morning and late afternoon. On cloudy days, they may feed more often. They are found at the edge of the forest or deep in the undergrowth. They scratch in a few localized spots rather than covering a larger area (Johnsgard, 1986). Snowfall may dictate this tragopan's movements (Madge and McGowan, 2002). (Harper, 1986; Johnsgard, 1986; Madge and McGowan, 2002; van der Mark, 1962)

Large cats such as leopards (subfamily Pantherinae) and civets (family Viverridae) as well as foxes (family Canidae) are considered to be important predators (Johnsgard, 1986). (Johnsgard, 1986)

Satyr tragopans have an impact on the plants and prey they eat and are an important food source for their predators.

There are no known adverse affects of satyr tragopans on humans.

Satyr tragopans have been bred in captivity and may be found in some aviaries. They are also hunted for food.

These birds are considered to be near-threatened (they are close to qualifying for vulnerable status according to the IUCN) (BirdLife International Red List Authority, 2000). They are also listed under Appendix III by CITES. Their populations are fragmented and affected by habitat loss as a result of overgrazing and removal of materials used as fuel for fire (Madge and McGowan, 2002). They are also threatened by hunting (Johnsgard, 1986). They are protected in some areas of their range (Madge and McGowan, 2002). (BirdLife International Red List Authority, 2000; Johnsgard, 1986; Madge and McGowan, 2002)

Temminck's tragopans are the closest relatives to satyr tragopans. Western tragopans are also considered to be closely related (Johnsgard, 1986). (Johnsgard, 1986)