Hydrornis schneideri
The Schneider's Pitta (*Hydrornis schneideri*) is a striking and enigmatic forest bird, endemic to the montane rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia. Measuring approximately 23 cm (9 inches) in length, males are characterized by a dark brown crown and ear coverts, accented by a brilliant yellow supercilium that often appears as a bright, glowing stripe above the eye. Their upperparts are predominantly blackish, contrasting with a vibrant blue patch on the wing and fiery reddish-orange undertail c...
Found exclusively in dense montane rainforests, primarily inhabiting the forest floor. It typically occurs at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,400 meters above sea level.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of invertebrates including insects, spiders, snails, and earthworms. It forages by rummaging through leaf litter on the forest floor.
Schneider's Pitta is a highly secretive and terrestrial species, spending most of its time foraging on the forest floor. Its daily activity peaks during the early morning and late afternoon, retreating to dense undergrowth during the midday heat. Foraging involves meticulously sifting through lea...
The Schneider's Pitta is strictly endemic to the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. Its distribution is confined to the higher elevations of the Barisan Mountains, a volcanic mountain range that runs along the western side of Sumatra. It is found in scattered populations within this range, primarily b...
Vulnerable
- The Schneider's Pitta was known only from a single specimen collected in 1916 for over 70 years before its remarkable rediscovery in 1988. - Its scientific name, *schneideri*, honors German ornithologist Max Schneider, who collected the first known specimen. - Despite its vibrant coloration, th...