Pitta concinna
The Ornate Pitta (Pitta concinna) is a spectacular, medium-sized passerine renowned for its jewel-like plumage and secretive habits. Measuring approximately 19-21 cm (7.5-8.3 inches) in length, it exhibits a dazzling array of colors, including a vibrant green back and wings, a striking azure blue shoulder patch, and a brilliant blue rump. Its head is predominantly black with a distinctive chestnut-brown crown and a prominent black eye-stripe, contrasting with a white throat and underparts tha...
This species primarily inhabits moist lowland and hill forests, including primary and mature secondary rainforests, often near streams or damp areas. It can be found from sea level up to elevations of approximately 1,200 meters.
Its diet consists mainly of invertebrates, including beetles, ants, grubs, earthworms, and snails, occasionally supplemented with small vertebrates or fallen fruits.
The Ornate Pitta is a highly terrestrial and exceptionally secretive bird, spending most of its time foraging silently on the forest floor, typically active during dawn and dusk. It employs a distinctive hopping gait through leaf litter, pausing to use its strong bill to flick away leaves and dig...
The Ornate Pitta is endemic to the Lesser Sunda Islands archipelago in Indonesia, where its distribution is relatively restricted but stable. Its primary range includes the islands of Flores, Sumbawa, Lombok, Rinca, and Komodo, with additional populations found on smaller nearby islands such as A...
Least Concern
- Often called a 'jewel-thrush' due to its incredibly vibrant and varied plumage, making it one of the most colorful birds on Earth. - Despite its brilliant colors, the Ornate Pitta is notoriously difficult to observe, preferring to remain hidden in dense undergrowth. - It builds a distinctive, l...