Mangrove Pitta

Overview

The mangrove pitta (Pitta megarhyncha) is a colourful passerine bird in the family Pittidae. It is native to the eastern Indian subcontinent and western Southeast Asia and is classified as Near Threatened.

Identification

• Size: 180 to 210 mm (7.1–8.3 in) in length.
• Plumage: Black head with a buff-coloured crown, white throat, greenish upper parts, buff underparts and a reddish vent.
• Bill: Distinguished from the blue-winged pitta by its much heavier bill.
• Voice: Call transcribed as wieuw-wieuw, described as more slurred than that of the blue-winged pitta, often sung from a high perch.

Habitat

This species is restricted to subtropical or tropical mangrove forests and Nipa palm stands. Its range extends from Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, and the western coast of the southern Thai peninsula through Malaysia and Indonesia.

Diet

The mangrove pitta feeds on crustaceans, mollusks, and terrestrial insects. It has been observed exhibiting swimming behaviour in the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve.

Did you know?

Despite pittas generally being difficult to spot, the mangrove pitta is one of the easier species to locate as it sits high up in mangrove trees and calls; a tape recording of its call will often bring it forth.