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Size & diagnostic markings:- 18 Cm. This is another roundish bird with a very short tail measuring only 18 cm. The entire bird in dark pastel green with a dark brown crown and a thick black collar. A turquoise-blue stripe on the wing. From center of under part to the vent in bright red. Distribution :- The bird breeds in north-eastern India South-west China, then the region of the Greater Sundas down south to Sulawesi and New Guinea. Also resident in south Thailand and northern peninsula Malaysia.The bird is now seen for long period during the migratory season. I seem to detect a pattern of the same bird getting back to the same spot each year. Habitats & preferences:- A migrant which prefer lowland forest with isolated pools of waters.The Hooded Pitta is even smaller at 18 cm long. This is a bird from North-eastern India and western China, then another locality in south Greater Sundas and the Philippines. One more location is the Nicobar Island. This is a lowland bird and also a passage migrant in the Peninsula. Another sub-species the Pitta Sordida cucullata with a completely black crown is a resident in Borneo. This bird prefers open areas of the forest edge and old plantations. This bird is accustomed to human presence and would choose small patches of hiding places in urban or near to urbanized area. A pre-requisite would be the availability of wet ground nearby. Once the surrounding area where the bird is hiding is devoid of human presence, the bird would leave its hiding place to scour the open ground for food. The bird would remain in the same spot for a couple of weeks and then continues on its way. This bird remind me of the Flycatcher that works within a small confine. The bird is also shy of human to a certain extend and would not easily come out from the comfort of its hiding place. When it comes to time for feeding, the bird would come out in the open, even with the knowledge of human being around. Birders at this point of time should not spook their confidence by making too much movement or approaching closer within their comfort zone. It is frequently reported that the Pitta in it's night migration, crushed into window panes in urban places. That speaks much about its habits and choice of migration trails. Hooded Pitta's picture No. 1
Hooded Pitta's picture No. 2
Hooded Pitta's picture No. 3
Hooded Pitta's picture No. 4
Hooded Pitta's picture No. 5
Hooded Pitta's picture No. 6
Hooded Pitta's picture No. 7
Hooded Pitta's picture No. 8
Hooded Pitta's picture No. 9
Have being seen in many places, mainly in Shah Alam Parks and near my house. This is a very friendly bird showing little fear for human being. The few places I mentioned are all near to human habitats or in one case a park frequented by people. Having said that still not easy for accidental encounter other than those working or exercising near the area frequently.
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