Indian Pitta
NameIndian Pitta
Common NameIndian Pitta
Scientific NamePitta brachyura
FamilyPittidae
Wingspan (cm)25.5
Length (cm)19
Weight (g)56.5
Plumage DetailsFeatures bright green upperparts, buff underparts, a black eye-stripe, a black crown stripe, and a pale supercilium. It has a distinctive blue patch on its wings and a bright red vent.
Vocalization / CallA loud, clear, two-note whistle, often described as 'whee-whee' or 'pitta-pitta', which gives the bird its common name.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in the Himalayan foothills and central India, migrating to southern India and Sri Lanka for the winter months.
Identifying FeaturesVibrant green and buff plumage, Black eye-stripe and crown stripe, Bright red vent, Ground-dwelling behavior, Distinctive two-note whistle call
Description
The Indian Pitta is a vibrantly colored, ground-dwelling bird known for its striking plumage and shy demeanor. It forages primarily in leaf litter for invertebrates, often heard before it is seen. This species is migratory, breeding in parts of India and wintering further south.
