Although this bird is native to the Himalayan mountain region of Nepal, it has been introduced to the Big Island in Hawaii. Males are between 25 and 29 inches long while females are slightly smaller, measuring between 20 to 24 inches in length. Males have a blue-black plumage that is glossy and a blue-black crest a top their head. Females are more brownish in color.

These birds prefer higher altitude regions between 4,000 and 6,000 ft and feed on mainly seeds. However, leaves, buds and insects are also part of their diet. They prefer more wooded and forested areas where they can forage under cover of shrubs and trees.

Photo Courtesy of Lip Kee.