Ornate Pitta

Incredibly elusive bird of high-elevation rainforest, confined to a tiny range in northern New South Wales and southern Queensland, where it skulks under ground cover in leaf litter. Nondescript plumage, mostly brown above, rufous below, with fine black barring extending from upperparts to long, rough tail. Adult male has black throat and breast with white mark from bill to upper breast. More likely to be heard than seen. Male has incredibly loud, diverse song repertoire.

Fairly large and strikingly-plumaged woodpecker with a yellow-crested head contrasting with a largely black body which is variably scaled with yellow spots depending on the subspecies, and a yellow rump. Males have a red moustache. Found in both wet and dry forests, usually avoiding the interior, and in wooded savannas.

Seemingly dark and dull at a distance, males sport a spectacular color pattern when seen up close. Note red nape and throat, brilliant blue forehead, purplish cheek, and red arcs behind the eyes. Body is rich purple set off by a blue rump. Female is exceptionally plain. She is a warm, medium-brown with very few markings, distinguished from other female buntings by plainer wings and belly and curved top of the bill. Prefers brushy habitats often with steep slopes, especially riparian areas and desert washes. Generally uncommon. Listening for their song, a low, rough warble, is often the best way to find them.