Alternative names: Black-and-crimson Pitta, Black-crowned Pitta, Sabah Pitta
- Pitta ussheri
Disambiguation: For the species Pitta venusta (also known as Black-crowned Pitta) see Graceful Pitta
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
- 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.
- Avibase
- Answers.com
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Black-crowned Pitta. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 15 January 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Black-crowned_Pitta
