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- 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
Monotypic. Often treated as a taxon of Garnet Pitta Pitta venusta 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.
