Black-crowned Pitta

Overview

The black-crowned pitta, Erythropitta ussheri, is a brightly coloured, ground-dwelling bird species belonging to the family Pittidae. It is endemic to the Malaysian state of Sabah on the island of Borneo.

Identification

• Distinctive black head and breast contrasting with a crimson belly.
• Prominent, pale blue, narrow raised stripes extend back from the eyes.
• Upperparts are dark purple-blue, featuring an iridescent azure patch on the bend of the wing.
• Call consists of a quiet whistle lasting about four seconds that rises in power and pitch, stopping less abruptly and wavering slightly in the middle.

Habitat

This species occupies lowland tropical rainforests from sea level up to 300 m, where it prefers dark and damp places, especially ravines beneath dense cover. It is also found in selectively logged areas and overgrown rubber or Albizia plantations.

Diet

The pitta consumes a variety of invertebrate prey, including spiders, ants, cockroaches, beetles, and snails.

Did you know?

The nest is a dome-shaped structure built on a muddy bank, featuring a roof of leaves and a cup made of fine roots and leaves.