Azure-breasted Pitta

Overview

The azure-breasted pitta (Pitta steerii) is a striking and colorful bird species in the family Pittidae. It is endemic to the islands of Mindanao, Bohol, Leyte and Samar in the Philippines, where it exists as one of only two endemic pittas in the country.

Identification

• Green back with a black head and a black belly.
• A striking azure chest, a red vent, and a blue wing.
• Medium-sized with long legs and a very short tail.
• Black bill with pinkish brown legs and a dark brown iris.

Habitat

Inhabits tropical moist lowland forests with dense understory, found up to 1,000 meters above sea level but more common below 600 meters. The species prefers forests with limestone outcrops and is restricted to the islands of Mindanao, Bohol, Leyte and Samar.

Diet

Feeds on insects and worms by foraging on the ground, fallen logs, and boulders. It actively flicks over dead leaves with its bill to locate food.

Did you know?

Breeding behavior is basically unknown and the nest remains undescribed, despite juveniles being observed on Samar and Bohol in June and July. On Bohol, the bird is most vocally active from April to June, a period that aligns with the general breeding season for most Philippine birds.