The African pitta is an Afrotropical bird of the family Pittidae. It is a locally common to uncommon species, resident and migratory in the west, and an intra-African migrant between equatorial and southeastern Africa. They are elusive and hard to observe despite their brightly coloured plumage, and their loud, explosive calls are infrequently heard. The plump, somewhat thrush-like birds forage on leaf litter under the canopy of riparian or coastal forest and thickets, or in climax miombo forest. They spend much time during mornings and at dusk scratching in leaf litter or around termitaria, or may stand motionless for long periods. Following rains breeding birds call and display from the mid-canopy.
Region
Equatorial and Southeastern Africa
Typical Environment
Breeds mainly in lowland and riparian forests, coastal thickets, and mature miombo woodlands in southeastern Africa, and spends the non-breeding season in more equatorial forests. Typically keeps to dense understory, favoring leaf-littered floors with scattered termitaria and fallen logs. Often occurs along riverine corridors, forest edges, and well-shaded gullies. It avoids very open habitats and is most active where canopy cover is high.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The African pitta is a striking, multi-colored forest bird that undertakes an intra-African migration between equatorial and southeastern Africa, breeding after the first rains. Despite its vivid plumage, it is notoriously elusive and spends much of its time on the forest floor under dense cover. Birders often seek it during short display windows when males call and perform from the mid-canopy. It is sometimes called the Angola pitta.
Egg
Pitta Angolensis by Daniel Giraud Elliot in 1893
Temperament
secretive and elusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; swift, low flights between cover; longer movements during migration
Social Behavior
Mostly solitary, forming pairs only during the breeding season. Males display and call from mid-canopy perches after rains, while foraging occurs primarily on the ground. The nest is a globular structure of leaves and fibers placed low in dense cover; both parents attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A loud, explosive, two- to three-note call delivered from a concealed perch, often after rainfall. Calls are repeated at intervals and can carry through dense forest, aiding detection during the short breeding display period.
Plumage
Bright green upperparts with a contrasting cobalt-blue shoulder panel, buff to yellowish underparts shading to salmon or red on the belly and vent, and a dark facial mask. The back is vivid green, wings show blue and black patterning, and the undertail coverts are bright crimson. Feathers are smooth and glossy, creating a clean, high-contrast appearance.
Diet
Feeds mainly on leaf-litter invertebrates such as termites, ants, beetles, caterpillars, and other soft-bodied insects, and will also take small snails and other arthropods. It forages by hopping and flicking aside leaves to expose prey, then picking items with swift jabs. Occasionally crushes harder prey against firm surfaces. Moist ground and termitaria are frequently inspected after rains.
Preferred Environment
Shaded forest floors with deep leaf litter, especially in riparian and coastal forests and mature miombo. Often near fallen logs, thickets, and termite mounds that concentrate invertebrate prey.
