The graceful pitta, sometimes alternatively known as the black-crowned pitta, is a species of bird in the family Pittidae. It occurs in Sumatra in Indonesia, where its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Sundaland (Sumatra)
Typical Environment
Endemic to the island of Sumatra in Indonesia, where it inhabits subtropical to tropical moist montane forests. It keeps to shaded, mature evergreen forest with thick leaf litter and tangled understory. Birds are most often found on or near the forest floor, especially along gullies and near small streams. The species avoids heavily degraded areas and is sensitive to fragmentation, persisting best in larger tracts of intact forest.
Altitude Range
600–1700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The graceful pitta is a shy, ground-dwelling forest bird that favors dense understory in Sumatra’s montane rainforests. It often remains motionless for long periods before darting between cover. Its rich whistles carry through the forest at dawn and dusk. Ongoing habitat loss in Sumatra’s highlands poses the main threat to this species.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief, low flights
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Nests are usually domed structures placed low to the ground among roots or dense vegetation. Both sexes likely participate in nesting duties, and territories are defended with persistent song and display.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, whistled two-note call repeated at intervals, often given from concealed perches. The song carries well through dense forest and may accelerate or become more insistent during territorial exchanges.
Plumage
A dark-bodied pitta with a blackish crown and head, contrasting bright blue shoulder/wing patch, and rich reddish underparts. Upperparts are dusky to blackish with a slight sheen; underparts show deep crimson to rufous tones toward the belly and vent. Feathers appear sleek and tight, giving a smooth, glossy impression in good light.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects and other invertebrates such as beetles, ants, termites, spiders, snails, and earthworms. It forages by hopping along the forest floor, probing soil and leaf litter, and flipping leaves to expose prey. Occasionally it may take small vertebrates or soft fruit, but animal prey dominates.
Preferred Environment
Dense understory within mature montane rainforest, often near damp leaf litter, rotting logs, and stream edges. Foraging is concentrated in shaded microhabitats where invertebrates are abundant.
