Hydrornis cyaneus
The Blue Pitta (*Hydrornis cyaneus*) is a mesmerizing, medium-sized passerine, instantly recognizable by the male's dazzling iridescent blue plumage covering much of its body, often glowing in the dim understory of its forest home. Averaging 22-24 cm (8.7-9.4 inches) in length and weighing around 90-120 grams, it features a distinctive black facial mask extending from the lore to the ear-coverts, contrasted by a rich chestnut-orange crown and nape that further enhance its striking appearance....
This species primarily inhabits dense, humid evergreen and semi-evergreen broadleaf forests, thriving in both lowlands and foothills up to elevations of about 1,600 meters. It particularly favors areas with thick undergrowth, bamboo stands, and a rich leaf litter layer on the forest floor.
The Blue Pitta primarily consumes a variety of ground-dwelling invertebrates, including insects, snails, earthworms, and other small arthropods. It forages by meticulously turning over leaf litter and probing soft soil with its robust bill.
The Blue Pitta is a highly terrestrial and exceptionally shy bird, spending its days meticulously foraging among the leaf litter on the forest floor, often detected more by sound than by sight. They are diurnal, typically active during the cooler parts of the morning and late afternoon, often roo...
The Blue Pitta is a resident species found across a broad swathe of mainland Southeast Asia, with its range extending from eastern Bangladesh and northeast India (Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram) through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, south into Peninsular Malaysia. It is largely non-m...
Least Concern
- The Blue Pitta is one of the most vividly colored members of the Pittidae family, often referred to as "jewel thrushes. - Despite their vibrant plumage, they are notoriously difficult to spot, earning them the nickname "ghosts of the forest. - They are primarily terrestrial, spending most of th...