Hume's pheasant (Nongin - Manipur state bird) spotted in Shirui forest

R Lester Makang *

Hume's pheasant spotted in Shirui forest in May 2025 :: Pix - Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

The state bird, Mrs Hume's pheasant (Nongin), was recently sighted and photographed in the forest of Shirui village during a birdwatching and eco-tourism initiative co-organised by the Ukhrul-based environmental NGO ENFOGAL and Ukhrul Forest Division.

ENFOGAL's project director Patrick Shangh, along with Tangkhul Naga wild life photographer SC Horzak Zimik, has achieved the first-ever photographic documentation of the bird in Shirui village. With this achievement, SC Horzak Zimik has become the first Tangkhul Naga wildlife photographer to capture Mrs Hume's pheasant in the wild.

According to Zimik, the bird was first spotted on April 26, the second day of the 'Hike and Camp at Shirui' . "But, it was captured through the lens only on May 1, after six days of relentless trekking, tracking, and patient observation - in the stillness of night, beneath the oak canopy in its natural habitat," he explained.

"This wasn't just a photograph; it was a journey. Six days in the wild, driven by hope and instinct. When the shutter clicked, I knew we had captured more than just an image - we had captured a story," Zimik remarked.

Shangh, who has dedicated seven years to studying and protecting Ukhrul's biodiversity, said that he has identified over 200 bird species in the district through various initiatives such as birdwatching, nature camps, treks, and camera trap projects that highlight the hidden wealth of local fauna.

"We have always believed that Ukhrul's forests hold secrets waiting to be discovered. Even without significant funding, we have remained committed to our mission - and this sighting validates every step we've taken," Shangh stated. He also mentioned that EN-FOGAL is preparing to focus on Blyth's Tragopan, another rare bird known to inhabit the forest of Shirui village.

Acknowledging the efforts of Shirui villagers in enforcing a hunting ban for the past three years, Shangh noted that this has been instrumental in the sighting of the rare Mrs.Hume's pheasant. He expressed gratitude to expert spotter Pamreithing Luireiwo, the two village headmen of Shirui for their permissions and support, and the Ukhrul DFO for her encouragement.

Despite being the state bird, the population of Mrs Hume's pheasant remains threatened due to habitat destruction, forest fires, illegal hunting, and a lack of awareness. In 2018, the Manipur Forest Department, with the support of local villagers, initiated the establishment of a breeding centre in the Shirui forest area to conserve the state bird and its habitat.

Apart from Shirui, two other villages in the district, Razai Khullen and Jessami, are also known habitats for the state bird.