Pitta sordida
The Western Hooded Pitta, *Pitta sordida*, is a strikingly vibrant yet elusive passerine, measuring approximately 16-19 cm (6.3-7.5 inches) in length and weighing around 42-77 grams (1.5-2.7 oz). It is characterized by its glossy black hood, extending from the crown to the upper breast, sharply contrasting with a deep green back, bright blue wing patch, and crimson lower belly and vent. A distinguishing feature is the pale greenish-yellow bill and flesh-colored legs. This species belongs to t...
Primarily inhabits dense lowland and hill evergreen and deciduous forests, preferring areas with thick undergrowth and deep leaf litter. Typically found from sea level up to around 1,700 meters (5,600 feet) in elevation.
Feeds predominantly on a variety of invertebrates, including earthworms, snails, slugs, beetles, ants, and other insects. Occasionally supplements its diet with small amounts of fallen berries and fruits found on the forest floor.
This largely diurnal and extremely secretive pitta spends most of its time foraging silently on the forest floor, making it more often heard than seen. Its primary foraging strategy involves meticulously sifting through leaf litter with its bill, flipping leaves and probing the damp soil for inve...
The Western Hooded Pitta boasts a broad distribution across Southeast Asia, extending from northeastern India and Bangladesh eastward through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and southern China. Its range continues southward through the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, Java, and many ...
Least Concern
- Often called the "Jewel of the Forest" due to its stunning, vibrant plumage hidden within dense undergrowth. - Despite its vivid colors, its secretive, ground-dwelling nature means it is far more often heard than seen by human observers. - Pittas are one of the few groups of passerines that bui...