Chamba Moonal Pheasant

Beautiful full-color bookplate from an 1896 handbook on game birds. The book covered sand grouse, partridges and pheasants. The chamba moonal pheasant was such a beautiful bird. Sadly, it may have already been on the path to extinction when the text was written. Unless it has been renamed, I’ve only found references to this

Sadly, it may have already been on the path to extinction when the text was written. Unless it has been renamed, I’ve only found references to this Himalyan pheasant in old natural history books.

My guess is that these lovely birds were prized for their colorful feathers. So Many glorious sea-foam green, blue and reddish-orange feathers. How stunningly beautiful they must have been. Can you just imagine actually seeing a chamba moonal pheasant in real life? They clearly rival peacocks in their beautiful plumage.

Vintage Chamba Moonal Pheasant Print

As to this print, the signature appears to be that of the printing company and not the actual illustrator.

It is now over 120 years old, so it is most likely in the public domain everywhere. But, the publication date clearly puts this colorful bird image in the public domain in the US. Be sure to check your country’s copyright laws if you would like to use this bird illustration outside of the US.

Just in case, be sure to check your country’s copyright laws if you would like to use this bird illustration outside of the US.