The Himalayan monal has striking colour characteristics that set it apart from other ornamental pheasants. The male has a metallic green crest, with red feathers mixing to blue along the back. The short tail is red-brown, the breast and underparts are black, and a white rump patch and brown wings show in flight. Female colouration is a mix of brown and buff, with a pale blue ring around the eye and prominent white patch under the chin.