National Symbols of Nepal: Flower, Bird, Animal and Colour (Article 9)
Short answer: the Constitution of Nepal (2015) names four national symbols in Article 9(3): the rhododendron (Rhododendron arboreum) as the national flower, crimson as the national colour, the cow as the national animal, and the Lophophorus as the national bird.
Nepal’s national symbols at a glance
| Symbol | What the Constitution says |
|---|---|
| National flower | Rhododendron arboreum |
| National colour | Crimson |
| National animal | Cow |
| National bird | Lophophorus |
The text of Article 9(3) reads: “The Rhododendron Arboreum shall be the national flower, Crimson Colour shall be the national colour, the Cow shall be the national animal and the Lophophorus shall be the national bird of Nepal.” (Constitution of Nepal 2015, English text)
The national bird: Lophophorus, the Himalayan monal
The Constitution names the bird only as “Lophophorus”. Nepal’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation lists the species Lophophorus impejanus, the Himalayan monal or Impeyan pheasant, as the national bird of Nepal. In Nepali it is widely called Danphe, though the department’s page itself uses only the English names.
According to the department’s species page:
- Habitat: alpine and sub-alpine slopes, open rocky ground and nearby forest in summer, moving to lower rhododendron forest in winter, especially in heavy snow.
- Altitude in Nepal: roughly 3,300 to 4,750 m in summer, descending to about 2,500 m in winter.
- Conservation status: Least Concern globally (IUCN), but Near Threatened at the regional level for Nepal.
- Population estimate: 3,500 to 5,000 individuals in Nepal.
- Main threat: hunting and trapping, especially in winter when birds come closer to settlements.
- Legal protection: listed as protected (Appendix I) under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973, and in CITES Appendix I.
Source: Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Himalayan Monal.
Where to see the national bird
Because the monal lives high in the mountains, it is most likely to be seen by trekkers on high-altitude routes. See our guide to trekking in Nepal, and check the current trekking rules and permit requirements before you go. Sightings are never guaranteed. Keep a respectful distance and never feed or disturb wildlife.
Other national symbols
The flag, anthem and coat of arms are separate national symbols. The Constitution deals with them in other parts of Part 1. For the flag, read our page on the Nepal flag.
Frequently asked questions
What is the national flower of Nepal?
The rhododendron (Rhododendron arboreum), as named in Article 9(3) of the Constitution of Nepal 2015.
What is the national animal of Nepal?
The cow.
What is the national bird of Nepal?
The Lophophorus, identified by Nepal’s wildlife department as the Himalayan monal (Lophophorus impejanus), known as Danphe in Nepali.
What is the national colour of Nepal?
Crimson.
Is the Himalayan monal protected?
Yes. It is listed as protected under Nepal’s National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973, according to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation.
