Malaysian Birds - Blue-winged Pitta

 

Size & diagnostic markings:-  20 Cm. The Blue-winged Pitta is larger at 20cm, less roundish body. It has a dark green upper part and a rufous under part with a patch of red starting from the center of the under side to the vent. Most prominent would be the black face buff brownish crown with a black line in the center. Then the broad bright blue stripe along the wings.

Distribution :-  The bird breeds in south-west China. It winters around Sumatra and Borneo. Another Pitta that is frequently seen in Malaysia now during the migratory season.

Habitats & preferences:-   This is a lowland bird of the forest edge and usually where there is a body of water nearby.

This Pitta do not seek remote jungle but flat lands with water sources and wet patches. So far most places spotted are in parks with human

The Blue-winged is about 20 cm long. The bird breeds in South-western China and winters in Sumatra, Java and Borneo. This birds choose open country, parks and secondary forest in the lowland areas.

This Pitta could be a vagrant that chooses an environment with wet forest floor. Typical of all Pitta, it will seek small area of low bushes or obstacles as its hiding place and from that hiding place its hunting area an wide open space. Most likely scenario would be  a place with a small stream with tufted patches nearby.

The bird is fully accustomed to the presence of humans but seek not to make its appearance or being seen. Best time would be dawn or twilight but if the conditions permit, the bird would be out regularly throughout the day. This bird have some behavior of the Hooded Pitta, shy but not extreme as evading human presence. The bird do come out to the open even with the knowledge of human being around. This bird keep very safe distances and particularly sensitive to the human's movement.

 

Blue-winged Pitta's picture No. 1

Blue-winged Pitta's picture No.  2

Blue-winged Pitta's picture No. . 3

Blue-winged Pitta's picture No.  4

Blue-winged Pitta's picture No. 5

Blue-winged Pitta's picture No. 6

Blue-winged Pitta's picture No. 7

Blue-winged Pitta's picture No. 8

Blue-winged Pitta's picture No. 9

Blue-winged Pitta's picture No. 10

There are several places in the public park like Shah Alam park, Melawati Hills and FRIM. Popular place seen is in an estate in Ulu Piap in Penang. Pitta are very cautious birds, even though appearing in places with lots of human movements, the birds still limits its sightings to certain time of the day. In other times could be foraging in spots away from sight.

 

 

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