The superb pitta is a large pitta that is endemic to Manus Island which lies to the north of Papua New Guinea.
Region
Bismarck Archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and mature secondary lowland and hill rainforests on Manus Island, often in areas with dense leaf litter and tangled understory. It favors shaded forest floors, vine tangles, and thickets near stream gullies, and will use selectively logged forest if sufficient cover remains. The species generally avoids open edges, plantations, and heavily degraded habitats. It is a secretive ground-dweller that forages and moves low to the ground under cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The superb pitta is a striking, elusive forest bird found only on Manus Island in the Admiralty Islands of Papua New Guinea. It keeps to dense understory and is most often detected by its rich, resonant whistles rather than seen. Habitat loss and introduced predators pose ongoing threats, and careful management of remaining lowland rainforest is critical for its survival.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats close to the ground
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining territories within dense forest. Nests are domed and placed low, constructed from leaves and rootlets. Breeding behavior is poorly documented, but like other pittas, both parents likely participate in nesting duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives rich, mellow whistles and piping notes that carry through the forest understory. Phrases are often repeated at intervals and may accelerate or rise slightly in pitch.
Plumage
Predominantly velvety black with vivid blue shoulder and wing patches and a contrasting bright red lower belly and vent.
Diet
Feeds mainly on ground-dwelling invertebrates such as beetles, ants, cockroaches, caterpillars, earthworms, and small snails. It probes leaf litter and soft soil and flips leaves to uncover hidden prey. Opportunistically takes other small arthropods when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the shaded forest floor under dense cover, along fallen logs, vine tangles, and near damp gullies. It prefers undisturbed or lightly disturbed rainforest with deep leaf litter.
