Hooded Pitta

The Western hooded pitta, Pitta sordida, is a vibrant passerine bird, a member of the family Pittidae. It is adorned with a striking black head, a rich chestnut crown, and a body cloaked in various shades of green. This bird's plumage is a delightful spectacle in the dense forests it inhabits.

Identification Tips

Adults of this species typically measure between 16 to 19 cm in length and weigh from 42 to 70 grams. The Western hooded pitta can be identified by its contrasting head and crown colors, with the black of the head giving way to the chestnut of the crown. The green of the body and wings further distinguishes it from other forest dwellers.

Habitat

The Western hooded pitta favors a variety of forest habitats, ranging from eastern and southeastern Asia to maritime Southeast Asia. It is also known to frequent plantations and cultivated areas, demonstrating a degree of adaptability to human-altered landscapes.

Distribution

This bird has a broad range across several Asian regions, from northern India to southern China and Indochina, encompassing the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, the Philippines, and the Sangihe Islands near Sulawesi.

Behaviour

The Western hooded pitta is a ground forager, actively hunting insects and their larvae, as well as indulging in berries. During the breeding season, from February to August, it exhibits strong territorial behavior. The species is known for its fluty double-noted whistle calls, a sound that often fills the night air within its territory.

Song & Calls

The bird's vocalizations are characterized by a distinctive "qweeek-qweeek" whistle, which can be heard emanating from its territory, sometimes persisting throughout the night.

Breeding

Breeding takes place between February and August. The Western hooded pitta is known to construct its nest on the ground. Both parents are involved in the incubation process and in caring for the fledglings, showcasing a shared commitment to their offspring.

Similar Species

While there are other pitta species, the Western hooded pitta can be differentiated by its unique coloration, particularly the black head and chestnut crown, which set it apart from its relatives.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Western hooded pitta is composed of insects, their larvae, and berries. Its foraging habits are primarily terrestrial, as it searches the forest floor for nourishment.

Conservation status

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed the Western hooded pitta as a species of "Least Concern". Despite this, there is an ongoing concern regarding habitat loss, which is contributing to a decline in its population. However, the rate of decline is not yet rapid enough to warrant a threatened category.