The ornate pitta is a species of bird in the family Pittidae. It is found in Indonesia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Endemic to Indonesian islands, the ornate pitta inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests with dense understory. It favors shaded ravines, stream edges, and mature secondary growth where leaf litter accumulates. The species typically avoids highly disturbed open areas but may persist in selectively logged forest if sufficient cover remains. Forest fragmentation and conversion to agriculture reduce available habitat and connectivity.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The ornate pitta is a brilliantly colored, ground-dwelling bird of Indonesia’s lowland rainforests. It keeps to dense understory and leaf litter, where it forages by hopping and flicking leaves aside. Its clear, whistled song often betrays its presence at dawn and dusk. Ongoing deforestation threatens its habitat across parts of its range.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the ground
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, maintaining territories in dense forest. Nests are typically domed structures placed low or on the ground, built from leaves and fibers. Pairs are thought to be seasonally monogamous with both sexes involved in parental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, whistled two- to three-note phrase repeated at intervals from low perches. Calls include soft chips and sharp notes when alarmed. Vocal activity peaks at dawn and dusk.
