Several colourful gamebirds inhabit the Himalayas, ranging from the mountain forests to the meadows above the treeline. The Himalayan monal is a true mountaineer, reaching heights of up to 5000m above sea level, only retreating below the treeline in winter if there are no snow-free pastures above. It uses its strong beak to dig into the soil for roots and bulbs, sometimes excavating holes 30cm in depth.