Banda Sea Pitta
Pitta vigorsii
A typical pitta: plump, short-tailed, long-legged, and primarily terrestrial (sometimes perches up to call). Bright green above with electric blue shoulder patch and rump and black head with conspicuous pale brow. Underside golden-buff with black and bright red on the belly. Juvenile duller, with little blue in wing, an orange-tipped bill, and a pinkish belly. Inhabits wooded and forested habitats on islands throughout the Banda Sea, from Seram to the Tanimbars; partially migratory. Formerly regarded as a subspecies of Elegant Pitta, to which it is very similar; look for a pale throat in present species (other “Elegant-types” are dark-throated). Song is a deep, slurred-sounding “wehr-wehr”, and call is a squeaky “skyiw!”
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Pitta vigorsii
- Authority
- Gould, 1838
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pittidae
- Genus
- Pitta
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch
Sitta cinnamoventris
Often seen clambering up or headfirst down trees, this small active bird is usually found in the middle levels of the forest, though it will descend down toward the ground on occasion. Gray above and warmly-colored below throughout its range; eastern birds are paler below than western birds, the males of which have dark rusty bellies. Western birds also sport a bright contrasting white moustache. Lack of bright white patch on the tail distinguishes this species from White-tailed Nuthatch. A species of hill and submontane forests, where it favors lightly wooded areas of both broadleaf deciduous and pine forests. Often detected by its quick, echoing trill.
Green Avadavat
Amandava formosa
Very pretty small finch-like bird with red bill, red eyes, and distinctly barred flanks. Sexes are similar, but males have brighter greens and yellows than females. Juveniles are brown above, pale with some yellow below, but have the red bill. Very rare and local. Known to occur in flocks in dry areas with open woodland, scrub, and agriculture.
Green-striped Brushfinch
Arremon virenticeps
Fairly stocky, sparrowlike bird endemic to highland forests. Occurs mainly in fir and humid pine-oak forest understory, often in brushy flower banks and shady canyons, where typically skulking and difficult to see well. Feeds on and near the ground, usually in pairs. White throat stands out in shady understory, but green head stripes can be difficult to see. Range does not overlap rather similar Chestnut-capped Brushfinch.
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