Noisy Pitta

The noisy pitta, Pitta versicolor, is a vibrant avian species belonging to the Pittidae family. This bird is a visual delight, adorned with a black head and nape, a chestnut crown, and green wings edged with turquoise. Its underparts are a striking lemon yellow, while the tail is black with orange-red under-tail coverts. Adult noisy pittas measure between 19 to 21 cm in length, with males typically weighing 70–112 grams and females slightly heavier at 70–128 grams.

Identification Tips

To identify the noisy pitta, look for its distinctive coloration: a black head, a chestnut crown, and green back and wings with a turquoise leading edge. The throat, breast, and belly are lemon yellow, and the tail is black. Juveniles are similar but have a duller appearance with olive-green wings and a buffy breast tinged with grey.

Habitat

The noisy pitta inhabits the forested regions of eastern Australia, thriving primarily in rainforests. It can also be found in drier woodlands and scrub areas.

Distribution

This species is distributed along the eastern coast of Australia, from the Torres Strait Islands and Cape York Peninsula southwards to the New South Wales/Victoria border. It is also present in southern New Guinea, where it may be underreported and is likely a winter migrant.

Behaviour

The noisy pitta is a rather elusive bird, often detected by its call rather than sight. It is known for its secretive nature and preference for the forest floor, where it forages for food.

Song & Calls

The noisy pitta's call is most frequently heard in the morning and midday, with a decrease in the afternoon and a resurgence at dusk. The call, often repeated twice, comprises three ascending notes and is sometimes described as "walk-to-work."

Breeding

Breeding season varies by location, with eggs laid from July to February in the southern range and from November to February around Cape York. The nest is a domed structure, often placed on the ground or occasionally in a tree. Both parents are involved in nest construction and care for the young.

Similar Species

The noisy pitta may be confused with other pitta species, such as the elegant pitta or the rainbow pitta, but it can be distinguished by its unique coloration and distribution.

Diet and Feeding

The noisy pitta's diet consists of insects, woodlice, snails, and occasionally fruit. It employs a unique feeding behavior, using anvils to crack open the shells of molluscs and snails.

Conservation status

The noisy pitta is classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. While habitat destruction may be causing a slight decline in numbers, the species is not believed to be decreasing at a rate that would warrant a higher threat category.