Indian Pitta | Madras Christian College | Panasonic Lumix GH5 | Bird Photography | Campus Birding

Indian Pitta

Shot in Panasonic Lumix GH5

100-400 mm Lens 

Indian Pitta is a colorful small bird which is a migratory bird can be seen between October - April inside the MCC campus. It mostly in the ground, inside bushes and searches for prey like small insects and worms. it has a unique beautiful sound to interact with their pair.

The Indian pitta (Pitta brachyura) is a colorful and distinctive bird found in the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. Here are some interesting facts about the Indian pitta:

1. Appearance: Indian pittas are small, stocky birds with vibrant and contrasting plumage. They have a greenish-blue crown, a black eye stripe, a white throat and belly, and a bright red belly patch. Their wings and back are adorned with a mix of green, blue, and brown feathers.

2. Habitat: Indian pittas are primarily found in dense forests, including evergreen and deciduous forests, as well as bamboo groves. They are known to prefer undergrowth and areas with plenty of leaf litter.

3. Range: Indian pittas are native to the Indian subcontinent, including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. They can also be found in parts of Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Myanmar.

4. Behavior: These birds are known for their secretive and skulking behavior. They often hop on the forest floor in search of insects and other invertebrates. They are solitary birds but may be seen in pairs during the breeding season.

5. Migratory Patterns: Indian pittas are migratory birds. They migrate to the Indian subcontinent during the monsoon season, which is typically from April to September. They return to their breeding grounds in Southeast Asia during the non-breeding season.

6. Vocalizations: Indian pittas are known for their distinctive and melodious calls. Their calls often include a series of melodious whistles and trills, which are used for communication and territorial defense.

7. Breeding: Indian pittas build cup-shaped nests in the undergrowth, where they lay a clutch of 4-5 eggs. Both the male and female take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks.

8. Diet: Their diet mainly consists of insects, earthworms, and other small invertebrates. They forage on the forest floor, using their sharp bills to dig and turn over leaves in search of prey.

9. Conservation Status: Indian pittas are classified as "Near Threatened" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their populations are declining due to habitat loss and degradation caused by deforestation and urbanization.

10. Cultural Significance: Indian pittas are celebrated in some cultures, and they are considered a symbol of rain and the monsoon season in India. Their arrival is often associated with the onset of the monsoons.

Observing Indian pittas in the wild can be a thrilling experience for birdwatchers due to their striking appearance and elusive behavior. However, their conservation is crucial to ensure their continued existence in their native habitats.

Source: https://chat.openai.com/c/875c3a4f-e198-49e1-b9c0-8408c7724196