Giant Pitta
NameGiant Pitta
Common NameGiant Pitta
Scientific NamePitta caerulea
FamilyPittidae
Wingspan (cm)42.5
Length (cm)29
Weight (g)175
Plumage DetailsAdults have a black crown and nape, a pale blue-grey supercilium, and a black eye-stripe. The throat and breast are pale blue-grey, contrasting with bright blue wings and rump. The belly is buffy-white, and the tail is black. Females are similar but generally duller.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a loud, clear, whistled 'phew-phew' or 'whee-whee-whee' call, often repeated, and a 'whip-whip' or 'whi-whip-whi-wip' sound.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeFound in Southeast Asia, including the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, and parts of southern Thailand and Myanmar.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size for a pitta, Bright blue wings and rump, Pale greyish-white underparts, Black cap with pale supercilium and black eye-stripe, Terrestrial forest dweller
Description
This large and striking pitta is characterized by its vibrant blue wings and pale underparts. It is a shy, terrestrial bird that forages for invertebrates on the floor of dense lowland forests.
