Erythropitta meeki
The Louisiade Pitta (*Erythropitta meeki*) is a strikingly vibrant yet elusive passerine endemic to the Louisiade Archipelago of Papua New Guinea. Measuring approximately 15 cm (6 inches) in length, this small, stocky bird boasts a remarkable plumage. Males display a blackish head and throat, contrasting sharply with a blue-green nape and mantle, emerald-green back and wings, and vivid bright red underparts that extend from the belly to the vent, often featuring a distinct blue shoulder patch...
Exclusively found in primary lowland rainforests and mature secondary growth, preferring areas with dense undergrowth and leaf litter on the forest floor, typically at low to moderate elevations.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a diverse array of invertebrates such as insects, their larvae, earthworms, and snails, which it uncovers by sifting through leaf litter.
The Louisiade Pitta is a highly secretive and primarily diurnal terrestrial bird, spending most of its time foraging silently on the forest floor. It employs a distinctive "pitta hop" locomotion, combined with bill-sweeping and foot-scratching to disturb leaf litter, revealing concealed invertebr...
The Louisiade Pitta is an extreme island endemic, found exclusively within the Louisiade Archipelago, an island chain off the southeastern tip of Papua New Guinea. Its primary stronghold is Rossel Island (Yelakula Island), with a significant population also present on Tagula Island (Sudest Island...
Near Threatened
- The Louisiade Pitta is one of the most geographically restricted pitta species, found only on a handful of islands in the Louisiade Archipelago. - Its common name refers directly to this remote island chain in Papua New Guinea where it is endemic. - Like many pittas, it is notoriously shy and d...