INDIAN PITTA(අවිච්චියා, PITTA BRACHYRA), Combination of colors green, blue, black, white, yellow, brown red, can be made known as an easy tourist bird in Sri Lanka. AKA indiyan pitta (pitta brachyra)
The Indian Pitta if not scientific name Pitta brachyura. This bird is a small colorful bird and native to the Indian subcontinent. It belongs to the family Pittidae, which includes about 40 species of birds known as pittas. The Indian Pitta is known for its vibrant plumage, with a combination of bright green, blue, yellow, and red colors.
Characteristics of the Indian Pitta:
- Appearance: The Indian Pitta measures around 18 cm (7 inches) in length. It has a stout body, short tail, and a relatively large head. The upperparts are predominantly green, while the underparts are buff or white with blue and black barring on the breast and flanks. The wings and tail are blue with black markings. The head is adorned with a black eyestripe, a white supercilium (eyebrow), and a black crown.
- Distribution: The Indian Pitta is found primarily in the Indian subcontinent, including India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. It prefers forested areas, woodlands, scrublands, and gardens with dense undergrowth. During the winter months, it migrates to southern India and Sri Lanka.
- Behavior: The Indian Pitta is a secretive bird that spends most of its time on the ground, hopping and running among the leaf litter in search of insects and other invertebrates. It has a distinctive call, which is a loud, sharp, two-note whistle repeated several times. It is known for its stunning display during courtship, where it raises its tail, spreads its wings, and performs a series of elaborate poses.
- Diet: The diet of the Indian Pitta consists mainly of insects, including ants, termites, beetles, caterpillars, spiders, and earthworms. It uses its strong bill to probe the leaf litter and forest floor, flipping leaves to uncover prey.
- Breeding: The breeding season for Indian Pittas typically occurs from April to August. They build their nests on the ground, usually concealed under a thick layer of fallen leaves or in the base of a tree or shrub. The female lays a clutch of four to six eggs, which are incubated by both parents. After about two weeks, the eggs hatch, and the parents care for the chicks until they fledge.
The Indian Pitta is considered a migratory species and is admired by birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts for its striking appearance and unique behavior. Its colorful plumage and secretive nature make it a delight to spot in the wild, but it can be challenging to observe due to its habit of remaining hidden among the vegetation.