The blue-headed pitta is a species of bird in the pitta family Pittidae. It is endemic to Borneo.
Region
Borneo
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily across the island of Borneo in Brunei, Malaysian Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak), and Indonesian Kalimantan. It inhabits primary and lightly disturbed lowland evergreen and mixed dipterocarp forest, often near streams and in dense understory. The species forages on the shaded forest floor, favoring areas with deep leaf litter. It is generally absent from heavily logged or open secondary habitats and avoids plantations.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The blue-headed pitta is a striking forest-floor bird endemic to Borneo, where it prefers intact lowland rainforest. It is sensitive to logging and forest fragmentation, which have driven declines across much of its range. Males deliver clear, carrying whistles, often from concealed perches, especially in the early morning after rain.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct between perches
Social Behavior
Typically solitary outside the breeding season; forms pairs during breeding and defends territories. Nests are usually domed or ball-shaped structures placed on or near the ground in dense cover. Both parents participate in caring for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, piping whistle, often delivered as simple repeated notes or short phrases. Songs carry well through dense forest and are most frequent at dawn and after rainfall.
