Fairy PittaPitta nymphaA beautiful ground-dweller of well-shaded forests. Adult mostly green above, creamy tan below, with vivid red patch in undertail and central belly and multicolored head, with black mask, tan eyebrow, white throat, and rufous-and-black crown. The similar Blue-winged Pitta has vivid blue wings. In flight, note bright green wings with electric blue shoulder and white patch. Four-syllabled song consists of paired, clear whistles, “pee-yu, pee-yu.”Pittidae bird family
Order Passeriformes · 4 selected species
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Fairy PittaPitta nymphaA beautiful ground-dweller of well-shaded forests. Adult mostly green above, creamy tan below, with vivid red patch in undertail and central belly and multicolored head, with black mask, tan eyebrow, white throat, and rufous-and-black crown. The similar Blue-winged Pitta has vivid blue wings. In flight, note bright green wings with electric blue shoulder and white patch. Four-syllabled song consists of paired, clear whistles, “pee-yu, pee-yu.”Fairy PittaPitta nymphaA beautiful ground-dweller of well-shaded forests. Adult mostly green above, creamy tan below, with vivid red patch in undertail and central belly and multicolored head, with black mask, tan eyebrow, white throat, and rufous-and-black crown. The similar Blue-winged Pitta has vivid blue wings. In flight, note bright green wings with electric blue shoulder and white patch. Four-syllabled song consists of paired, clear whistles, “pee-yu, pee-yu.”
Noisy PittaPitta versicolorA distinctive bird with a chestnut crown. This species has green and black wings, dull yellow underparts, a black facial stripe, a bright blue shoulder patch, and a red patch under the tail. A very colorful species, it can although be inconspicuous while it hops around foraging on forest floors. Primarily found in rainforest, this species undertakes seasonal movements and can be found very close to the coast (including in mangroves) during winter. It is usually heard before it is seen: its call, a loud, well-known “walk to work”, is a typical sound of rainforests within its range. Sometimes calls from high in the canopy.
Rainbow PittaPitta irisSmall black and green pitta with red undertail coverts and gleaming blue shoulder. Primarily green upperparts, with underparts mostly black head and underparts. Usually found feeding on the ground in rainforest patches with lots of leaf litter but has also been found in a wide variety of other habitats. During breeding season it can be quite vocal, particularly males. This is the only pitta resident in the Top End of the Northern Territory and in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.