The Sulawesi pitta is a species of pitta. It was considered a subspecies of the red-bellied pitta. It is endemic to Indonesia where it occurs in Sulawesi, Manterawu, and Togian Islands. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Wallacea (Indonesia)
Typical Environment
Endemic to Sulawesi and nearby islands such as the Togian Islands and adjacent islets, primarily in evergreen lowland rainforest. It favors dense, shaded understory with a thick leaf-litter layer and often occurs near small streams or damp gullies. The species can persist in selectively logged forest if sufficient cover remains, but avoids heavily degraded or open habitats. It is largely terrestrial, moving quietly along the forest floor under cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Split from the red-bellied pitta complex, the Sulawesi pitta is a shy, ground-dwelling forest bird that is far more often heard than seen. It depends on intact lowland rainforest with dense understory, making it sensitive to logging and fragmentation. Its clear, whistled calls carry through the forest and are a key way birders detect it.
Juvenile at Tangkoko, Sulawesi
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low darting flights between cover
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, maintaining territories on the forest floor. Nests are dome-shaped structures placed low or on the ground, built from leaves and rootlets. Pairs are likely monogamous during the breeding season and defend nesting areas quietly but firmly.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, mellow, two- to three-note whistle that carries far and can sound ventriloquial. Calls are repeated at intervals, especially at dawn and dusk, and may include softer contact notes from within dense cover.
