Rainbow Pitta

The Rainbow Pitta, Pitta iris, is a small, vibrantly colored passerine bird, a jewel of the Australian avifauna. It is adorned with a velvet black head, punctuated by chestnut stripes above the eyes, and a body that is a tapestry of olive green upper parts and black underparts. The belly is a striking bright red, and the tail maintains the olive green hue. This bird is a true embodiment of its name, reflecting the myriad colors of a rainbow.

Identification Tips

When observing the Rainbow Pitta, look for its upright posture, often with legs slightly bent. The bird's plumage is distinctive, with the contrast of black and olive green on the body and the unmistakable red belly. The wings carry a golden sheen and a shining blue patch on the lesser wing coverts, while the tail is olive-green with a black base. The bill is black, legs are pink, and the eyes are brown, with a chestnut stripe running along each side of the crown.

Habitat

The Rainbow Pitta is a denizen of the monsoon forests, but it also graces some drier eucalypt forests. It prefers the closed canopy of these environments but can also be found in more open forests and occasionally in urban areas, foraging on open lawns.

Distribution

This bird is endemic to northern Australia, specifically the Northern Territory and Western Australia. It ranges from sea-level to elevations of 380 meters, with a presence from Darwin east to the Arnhem Escarpment, Groote Eylandt, the Wessel Islands, and the coastal Kimberley region.

Behaviour

The Rainbow Pitta is a secretive and shy bird, often elusive in its behavior. It is sedentary, with pairs defending territories year-round, though some local movements have been noted during the dry season. Young birds disperse to establish their own territories.

Song & Calls

The Rainbow Pitta's vocal repertoire includes a territorial "teow-whit" or "choowip-choowip" call, most frequently heard around dawn and dusk. Males are the more vocal sex, especially during the breeding season.

Breeding

Breeding occurs during the rainy season, with pairs constructing large domed nests where the female lays three to five blotched eggs. Both parents are involved in incubation and chick rearing, with a high level of nest defense against potential predators.

Similar Species

The Rainbow Pitta is most closely related to the Superb Pitta of Manus Island, but its unique coloration and distribution make it unlikely to be confused with other species.

Diet and Feeding

The Rainbow Pitta forages on the forest floor, primarily consuming insects, arthropods, and small vertebrates. It is particularly fond of earthworms during the rainy season and has been observed using roots as anvils to extract snails from their shells.

Conservation status

The Rainbow Pitta is assessed as being of Least Concern by the IUCN. While it has a small global range, it is locally common within its habitat. However, the subspecies P. i. johnstoneiana may face threats from habitat destruction due to feral cattle.