The black-crowned pitta, also known as the black-headed pitta, black-and-crimson pitta, black-and-scarlet pitta or black-crowned garnet pitta, is a brightly coloured, ground-dwelling, bird species in the pitta family Pittidae. It is endemic to the Southeast Asian island of Borneo.
Region
Borneo
Typical Environment
Found in lowland and hill rainforests across Borneo, including primary forest, selectively logged forest, and dense secondary growth. It favors humid, shaded understory with thick leaf litter where it forages on the ground. Occurs in peat-swamp and kerangas (heath) forests as well as along stream gullies and ravines. It is generally absent from heavily degraded or open habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking forest floor specialist is confined to Borneo and is often heard before it is seen, giving a clear, whistled two-note call at dawn and dusk. It was formerly treated as part of the Garnet Pitta complex but is now recognized as a distinct species. Habitat loss from logging and conversion of lowland rainforest makes it a conservation concern.
Roosting on a perch at night, in Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia
Temperament
shy and elusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct near the ground
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, maintaining territories on the forest floor. Nests are domed structures placed low in vegetation or on embankments, with both parents involved in care. Breeding coincides with periods of higher food availability in the wet season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, penetrating two-note whistle, often rendered as a rising note followed by a slightly lower, drawn-out second note. Calls carry far through dense forest and are most frequent at dawn and dusk.
Plumage
Glossy black head and upperparts contrast with rich crimson underparts; bright cobalt-blue shoulder/wing panel and a fine bluish line on the crown are often visible. Plumage is compact with short tail and rounded wings typical of pittas.
Diet
Primarily consumes insects and other invertebrates such as ants, beetles, termites, spiders, and caterpillars. Also takes earthworms, snails, and occasionally small frogs. Prey is gleaned from leaf litter or picked from low vegetation and rotting logs.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on the shaded forest floor with deep leaf litter, near fallen logs, buttress roots, and along stream edges. Prefers dense understory where it can move quietly and remain concealed.
