Most beautiful small birds - Sykalo Eugen 2024

Fairy Pitta (Pitta nympha)

Identification:

• Species name: Fairy Pitta, Blue-winged Pitta (formerly)
• Scientific name: Pitta nympha
• Family: Pittidae (Pittas)
• Order: Passeriformes (Songbirds)
• Subclass: Neornithes (Modern birds)
• Class: Aves (Birds)

Description:

• Size: Tiny ground-dwelling songbird, about 16-18 cm (6.3-7.1 in) long with a wingspan of 22-26 cm (8.7-10.2 in).
• Body shape: Round and plump, with short legs, a long, strong beak, and a short, square tail.
• Plumage color:

Dazzling emerald green upperparts with iridescent flashes of blue (especially on wings in flight).

Bright red patch on undertail and central belly.

Black head with a white throat and a rufous-and-black crown.

Creamy tan underparts.

Black legs.

Dark eyes.

• Beak: Long, strong, and slightly downcurved, black in color, ideally suited for digging in the soil and capturing insects.

Behavior:

• Method of feeding: Insectivorous, primarily hunts earthworms, spiders, and insects on the forest floor. Prowls like a miniature raptor, hopping and probing the leaf litter with its beak.
• Reproduction: Builds cup-shaped nests on the ground or low in trees. Lays 2-4 glossy white eggs. Both parents care for the young.
• Movement: Migratory, breeding in East Asia and wintering in Southeast Asia.
• Communication: Loud and clear four-syllable song, consisting of paired, clear whistles ("pee-yu, pee-yu"). Also uses various calls for territorial defense and communication.

Ecology:

• Habitat: Broadleaved evergreen forests, particularly near the coast. Can also be found in plantations and other modified forest habitats.
• Diet: Earthworms, spiders, insects, slugs, and snails.
• Hunting methods: Primarily a ground-dweller, actively foraging in leaf litter and probing the soil with its beak. May also perch on low branches to capture insects.

Distribution: Found in East Asia, including Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Migrates south to Southeast Asia for winter.

The Fairy Pitta, a feathered jewel hiding in the emerald depths of Southeast Asian rainforests, might seem like a mythical creature at first glance. But beyond its iridescent plumage and shy demeanor lies a treasure trove of fascinating facts and adaptations that will leave you enchanted by this avian enigma:

Master Camouflage: Forget simple brown hues; the Fairy Pitta is a master of disguise. Its iridescent blue and green feathers shimmer with light, camouflaging it perfectly amidst the dappled sunlight and vibrant green leaves of the rainforest floor. Imagine them as feathered chameleons with built-in holographic projectors!

Unexpected Tunnel Dwellers: Unlike most birds that build nests in trees, Fairy Pittas prefer the cool seclusion of the earth. They use their powerful legs and beaks to dig intricate tunnels into leaf litter and soft soil, creating cozy subterranean havens for their chicks. Talk about feathered excavators with built-in miniature bulldozers!

Hidden Feasting Technique: Their beaks aren't just for digging. Fairy Pittas have specially adapted beaks and feet for unearthing hidden insects and worms in the forest floor. They tap the ground to locate their prey, then dig with amazing speed and precision, leaving no juicy grub uneaten. Think of them as feathered earthworms with built-in miniature radar systems!

Unexpected Cooperative Breeders: While not as common as in other species, Fairy Pittas sometimes engage in cooperative breeding. Helpers, often older offspring or non-breeding individuals, assist the breeding pair in raising chicks, providing extra food and protection. It's a feathered commune with built-in childcare!

Hidden Vocal Diversity: Don't let their shy demeanor fool you; Fairy Pittas are accomplished vocalists! Their melodic songs vary geographically, with different populations boasting unique chirps and whistles, creating a diverse avian choir echoing through the rainforest canopy.

Symbiotic Symphony: Fairy Pittas play a vital role in the rainforest ecosystem. By controlling insect populations, they help maintain the health of the undergrowth, contributing to a balanced natural symphony. These feathered pest controllers contribute to the flourishing of plants and other creatures.

Cultural Charmers: In Southeast Asian cultures, the Fairy Pitta is often associated with good luck and prosperity. Its iridescent plumage and shy nature inspire awe and respect, making it a treasured symbol of the rainforest's hidden magic.

Unexpected Size Variation: Did you know? There are multiple subspecies of Fairy Pitta, each with subtle variations in size and plumage color. From the vibrant blue of the Bornean Pitta to the green and purple hues of the Sumatran Pitta, these feathered gems paint the rainforest floor with a kaleidoscope of iridescent beauty.