The Biak hooded pitta is a passerine bird in the pitta family Pittidae that is endemic to the island of Biak, northwest of New Guinea.
Region
Biak Island (Cenderawasih Bay, Indonesia)
Typical Environment
Endemic to Biak, where it occupies primary and mature secondary lowland rainforest as well as dense thickets and forest edges. It forages mainly in shaded understory and on the leaf-littered forest floor. In disturbed landscapes it can persist in overgrown gardens and scrub adjoining forest. It avoids open, exposed areas and prefers patches with dense ground cover. Often found near small streams or damp gullies within forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Biak hooded pitta is a localized island form of the Hooded Pitta, restricted to Biak off northwest New Guinea. Like other pittas, it is secretive and spends much of its time on the forest floor, where it hops rather than walks. Its vivid green body, black hood, chestnut crown, blue wing patch, and red undertail make it striking when seen. It gives a loud, clear, two-note whistle that carries far through the forest.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually solitary but forms monogamous pairs during the breeding season. Nests are typically dome-shaped structures built close to or on the ground from leaves and fibers. Both sexes incubate and feed the young. Outside breeding, individuals maintain small territories and communicate with far-carrying whistles.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, clear, two-note whistle, often rendered as a repeated ‘pee-piu’ with pauses between phrases. Also gives sharp scolding calls when alarmed or during territorial disputes.
Plumage
Compact, glossy green body with a black hooded head and a contrasting chestnut crown; bright blue patch on the wings and red lower belly/undertail coverts.
Diet
Primarily insects and other invertebrates, including ants, beetles, termites, caterpillars, and earthworms. Also takes small snails and occasionally small vertebrates such as tiny lizards. Forages by hopping and pausing, scanning and flipping leaf litter to expose prey. May use a stone or root as an anvil to break snail shells.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on the shaded forest floor, especially where leaf litter is deep and moist. Frequently forages along trails, fallen logs, and the edges of thickets. Uses low perches to scan before dropping to the ground to seize prey.
