The Indian pitta (Pitta brachyura) is a passerine bird native to the Indian subcontinent. It inhabits scrub jungle, deciduous and dense evergreen forest. It breeds in the forests of the Himalayas, hills of central and western India, and migrates to other parts of the peninsula in winter.
The word ‘pitta’ is derived from the Telugu language meaning ‘small bird’.
It has a distinctive two note whistling call which is heard at dawn and dusk. Hence the name in Tamil as Aru-mani kuruvi (=6-O’Clock bird). When calling the head is thrown back and the bill is pointed upwards.
Very colourful and derives the name Navrang (=Nine colours).It is usually shy and hidden in the undergrowth where it picks insects on the forest floor. They roost in trees.
Shot in Coorg, Karnataka, Nikon Gears, Apr 2025 © Dr.Bishan Monnappa.
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