PLATE VII 



THE SATYR TRAGOPAN 



Tragopan satyra (Linnaeus) 



The place is Sikhim in the Eastern Himalayas, looking toward Kabru and Kinchinjunga ; the time 

 is early May at ten thousand feet, when spring is at its height. The Satyr Tragopans have finished their 

 courtship and paired, and in a few days will begin to nest. From some mossy perch the booming crescendo 

 challenge of the cock rings out every morning. Around him the rhododendron trees are masses of colour ; 

 scarlet, salmon, cerise, pink and rose, and beneath, the ground is lavendered with alpine primroses. Words 

 can never describe the beauty of this magnificent bird in its Himalayan home. 



