The ivory-breasted pitta is a species of bird in the family Pittidae. It is endemic to North Maluku in Indonesia, known as Paok halmahera. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
North Maluku Islands (Wallacea)
Typical Environment
Occurs on forested islands such as Halmahera and nearby islands in North Maluku. It inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, including primary and lightly logged forest. Birds use dense understory, streamside thickets, and forest edges, occasionally entering older secondary growth and plantations adjacent to intact forest. It is largely terrestrial, foraging on the leaf-littered floor and resting in shaded cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking pitta is confined to the North Maluku islands of Indonesia, where its clean ivory-white underparts contrast boldly with dark upperparts and a splash of blue and red. It spends most of its time on the forest floor, hopping and flicking leaf litter to expose prey. Its loud, whistled song carries far through dense rainforest. Primary threats are ongoing lowland forest loss and degradation.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; low, direct dashes between cover
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, keeping to dense understory. Likely monogamous, with domed nests placed on or near the ground concealed by vegetation. Territorial calling is common during the breeding period, and birds defend small floor-level foraging areas.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, far-carrying series of mellow whistles, often two to three notes with a slightly rising or falling cadence. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes given from low perches within cover.
Plumage
Glossy black head and face with dark green upperparts, bright blue shoulder/wing panel, and a clean ivory-white breast and belly. The lower belly to vent shows rich crimson-red, contrasting with the pale underparts. Plumage is sleek, with a compact body, short tail, and sturdy legs typical of pittas.
Diet
Primarily takes ground-dwelling invertebrates such as beetles, ants, termites, spiders, snails, and earthworms. It occasionally snaps up small vertebrates like tiny skinks. Prey is detected by sight and sound, then captured by quick pounces after flicking aside leaves.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the shaded forest floor, especially in areas with deep leaf litter, rotting logs, and dense understory. Frequently works along stream edges, vine tangles, and the margins of forest clearings.
