Srinagar: Kalij Pheasant has been declared as bird of the Jammu and Kashmir.
An order in this regard has been issued by Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment after the approval of the Lieutenant Governor.
The bird, which is also known as “Lophura Leucomelanos”, is found particularly in Mansar, Surinsar, Jasrota and Bhaderwah areas. The decision to declare it as state bird has been taken keeping in view several aspects particularly the necessity of protecting the bird from hunting.
The erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir had Black-necked Crane as State Bird and Kashmir Stag (Hangul) as State Animal. The bifurcation of the State.