North Moluccan Pitta

Overview

The North Moluccan pitta (Erythropitta rufiventris) is a species of pitta endemic to the Moluccan Islands in Indonesia, previously classified as a subspecies of the red-bellied pitta. It inhabits tropical moist lowland forests and is currently assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, despite suffering some habitat loss.

Identification

• Measures 16 to 18 cm (6.3–7.1 in) in length, with females weighing up to 91 g.
• Nominate race features a bright red belly and bright blue breast separated by a thin green band.
• Head is brown with a russet crown and reddish nape, while the back is green and wings are blue-green.
• Subspecies variations include duller blue breasts and backs, or silvery blue breasts in the bernsteini subspecies.

Habitat

Found exclusively in the northern Moluccas of Indonesia, ranging from sea level to altitudes of 2,100 m (6,900 ft). It occupies a variety of forested environments, including primary rainforest, selectively logged forest, secondary forest, and scrubland.

Diet

While its specific diet has not been formally described, it is presumed to consist of earthworms and other invertebrates, similar to other members of the pitta family.

Did you know?

The species was split from the red-bellied pitta complex following a 2013 genetic and morphological study, which identified a total of 17 distinct species within that previously unified group.