The azure-breasted pitta is a species of bird in the family Pittidae. It is a striking and colorful bird having colors of red, azure, green, black and white, It is endemic to the islands of Mindanao, Bohol, Leyte and Samar in the Philippines. Along with the Whiskered pitta, it is one of two endemic pittas in the country. Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Southern Philippines (Mindanao and Eastern Visayas)
Typical Environment
Found in primary and older secondary lowland to lower-montane rainforest, especially in dense, humid understory with rich leaf litter. It frequents ravines, stream gullies, and gentle slopes where invertebrate prey is abundant. The species is largely tied to intact forest interiors and avoids open or heavily degraded habitats. Occurs patchily where suitable forest remains on Mindanao, Bohol, Leyte, and Samar.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as Steere’s pitta, this striking forest bird spends most of its time on the dim forest floor, hopping and flipping leaf litter for prey. It is highly sensitive to habitat disturbance and declines rapidly with logging and forest conversion. Breeding pairs are territorial and often surprisingly vocal at dawn, despite the species’ generally secretive habits.
An illustration by John Gould
Temperament
shy and secretive, strongly territorial in breeding season
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; prefers hopping on the forest floor
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs; forms monogamous pairs during the breeding season. Nests are domed and placed low, typically near the ground in dense cover. Both sexes participate in guarding territories and may perform distraction displays near the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, far-carrying series of mellow whistles, often delivered as repeated two- to three-note phrases at dawn. Calls include sharp, ringing notes used in territory advertisement and contact between mates.
