Garnet Pitta

Overview

The garnet pitta (Erythropitta granatina) is a species of bird in the family Pittidae classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. It is found across parts of Southeast Asia, though the form occurring in the Malaysian state of Sabah is now recognised as the distinct black-crowned pitta.

Identification

• Approximately 17 cm in length.
• Adult plumage features a black head with a bright blue eyebrow stripe and a red cap.
• The breast is dark blue at the top, transitioning to carmine red beneath, while the back and wings are bright blue.
• Juveniles are predominantly brown.

Habitat

This species inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. Its range includes Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Thailand. The population is threatened by habitat loss due to systematic illegal deforestation and forest fires.

Diet

The garnet pitta is an insectivore that feeds mainly on ants, wood grubs, cockroaches, and beetles.

Did you know?

Breeding pairs lay a clutch of just two eggs between March and August.