The rusty-naped pitta is a species of bird in the family Pittidae.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern China through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and parts of adjacent Indochina, inhabiting evergreen and mixed moist forests. Prefers dense understory with ample leaf litter, bamboo thickets, and shaded ravines, often near streams. It keeps to the forest floor, moving methodically under cover and rarely flying far. The species tolerates some secondary growth if sufficient ground cover remains, but is most frequent in relatively intact, humid forest.
Altitude Range
200–2200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy, ground-dwelling pitta of dense understory, the rusty-naped pitta is far more often heard than seen. Its male gives clear, far-carrying whistles, especially at dawn and dusk. It forages quietly in leaf litter for invertebrates and is sensitive to heavy disturbance and forest degradation.
H. o. bolovenensis
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Mostly solitary or in pairs during the breeding season. Nests are usually domed or bulky structures placed close to the ground in dense cover. Both sexes are thought to share nesting duties, and territories are defended with persistent vocalizations.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, whistled series of notes delivered at measured intervals, often carrying far through forest. Calls are simple but penetrating, frequently given at dawn and dusk from low perches or concealed positions.
Plumage
Rich rufous head and nape with mostly olive-green upperparts and wings; underparts warm brown to buff with subtle mottling. Compact, round-bodied with short tail and sturdy, straight bill typical of pittas. Female tends to be duller with more subdued tones and finer patterning below.
Diet
Feeds primarily on invertebrates such as earthworms, beetles, ants, termites, and snails found in moist leaf litter. Occasionally takes small vertebrates like tiny frogs or lizards when encountered. It probes and flicks aside leaves, using its sturdy bill to glean prey from the ground.
Preferred Environment
Dense forest understory, bamboo patches, and damp gullies with deep leaf litter. Often near streams or seepages where soil is soft and invertebrate prey is abundant.
