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Black-crowned Pitta - BirdForum Opus

Revision as of 20:19, 24 March 2010 by Deliatodd-18346 (talk | contribs) (Alternative names. References)

Alternative names: Black and Crimson Pitta, Black-crowned Pitta, Black and Scarlet Pitta, Sabah Pitta

Pitta ussheri

Identification

13 - 15 cm. Sexually monomorphic
Head black with elongated pale blue feathers from behind the eye to the edge of the nape forming two thin "horns". Back, scapulars and rump purpleish blach ( in good light ). Upper breast dark purple, the rest of the underparts bright crimson. Tail dark blue. Wings black with bright, bold, shining blue "wing panel" formed by the lesser and median coverts. Bill black, eye dark and legs slaty flesh.

Distribution

Endemic to Eastern Sabah, Malaysia.

Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species[1].

Often treated as a taxon of Garnet Pitta Pitta granatina but parapatry, lack of good evidence of hybridisation and distinct vocalisations indicate this should be regarded as a "good" species.

Habitat

Damp areas in lowland rainforest, up to 300m.

Behaviour

Terrestrial, but roosts up to 10m. above ground in creepers and understory shrubs.

Diet

The diet includes snails, insects and invertebrates.

Vocalisation

Similar to Garnet Pitta but fades away at the end while Garnet Pitta stops abruptly.

References

  1. Clements, JF. 2009. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to December 2009. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019.
  2. Avibase
  3. Answers.com

Recommended Citation

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