BirdUp · Species

Papuan Pitta

Erythropitta macklotii(Temminck, 1834)

Least ConcernNative

Order: PASSERIFORMES
Family: Pittidae
Genus: Erythropitta

Conservation: Least Concern

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

The Papuan pitta is a terrestrial passerine found in New Guinea and Cape York Peninsula. Formerly considered a subspecies of the Red-bellied Pitta (Erythropitta erythrogaster), it inhabits lowland rainforests and monsoon forests. It is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

Field specs

Length: 15–19 cm
Weight: 74–116 g

Measurements · avonet · CC BY 4.0

Field tips

behaviour

Observe its terrestrial movement as it bounds or hops rapidly with both feet, frequently pausing to stand tall in a very upright posture.
When calling from a low perch, the bird often bobs its head and puffs out its blue chest feathers in a rhythmic motion.

plumage

Look for the sharp contrast between a wide, solid blue band across the upper chest and the bright scarlet-red of the lower breast and belly.
The head and nape are a deep, dark chocolate-brown, which provides a somber contrast to the brilliant blue and red of the underparts.

size_and_shape

Displays a distinctive 'tailless' silhouette with a plump, egg-shaped body and noticeably long legs.

voice

Listen for a mournful, two-note whistle, 'waa-wauw', with the second note slurred and dropping significantly in pitch.

02 · Where

Where to find it

Breeding range: Kai Is. (south-east Moluccas), New Guinea and Cape York Pen. (Australia)

05 · Behaviour

Habits and haunts

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How to tell it apart

Where to find it

Habits and haunts

Diet & foraging

Habitats

Range notes

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