Gurney's Pitta
NameGurney's Pitta
Common NameGurney's Pitta
Scientific NamePitta gurneyi
FamilyPittidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)19
Weight (g)60
Plumage DetailsMales exhibit a glossy blue crown, black face and nape, a bright yellow collar, rufous-brown back and wings, and a black belly with prominent yellow and black barring on the flanks. The rump and tail are a brilliant blue. Females are duller, featuring a blackish-brown crown and a buffy-yellow belly with less distinct barring.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a distinctive, often repeated "whip-whip" or "whee-whee" call, sometimes described as a clear, whistled "pitta-pitta."
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Geographic RangeEndemic to a small region in southern Myanmar (Tenasserim region) and formerly found in peninsular Thailand, where it is now possibly extinct.
Identifying FeaturesVibrant blue crown (male), Black face and throat, Bright yellow collar, Rufous-brown back, Yellow and black barred flanks, Bright blue rump and tail, Ground-dwelling behavior
Description
This medium-sized, strikingly colored passerine is known for its vibrant plumage and secretive, ground-dwelling habits in dense tropical forests. It primarily forages on the forest floor, flicking leaf litter to find invertebrates.
