Jewels on the forest floor: Tracking India’s most colorful ground birds.
Summers in central India bring sweltering heat and the arrival of the Indian Pitta (Pitta brachyura), one of the jungle’s true hidden jewels. As the forest transforms, trees such as Kosam, Mahua and the Fig trees enter their leafing season, with their bright, tender young leaves painting the forest canopy in blotches of red, pink and orange.
This bird hops around on the jungle floor, flicking leaves and other vegetation with a strong bill, looking for invertebrates to feast on. These terrestrial forest passerines are medium-sized, stocky and long-legged, with short square tails, stout bills and an erect carriage. They are sulkers, often located with high-pitched two-note calls of pree-treer, which they emit from tree branches or bushes at dusk and dawn.
The word ‘Pitta’ is derived from the Telugu language, where it simply translates to “small bird”. Pittas are diurnal birds, as they require ample light to find their cryptic prey. They are strongly territorial.
Pittas are often referred to as Old World Pittas; this is a common ornithology term for easier biogeographical distinction of bird species. “Old world” relates to birds native to the eastern hemisphere. In this case, ‘true Pittas’ (family Pittidae) naturally exist only across Asia, Australasia and Africa.
There are 6 species of Pitta found in India; they are: Indian Pitta, Blue Pitta, Blue-naped Pitta, Nicobar Hooded Pitta, Western Hooded Pitta, Mangrove Pitta.
Top 6 Pitta Species Found in India
1. Indian Pitta (Pitta brachyura)
The Indian Pitta is perhaps the most sought-after bird in the Indian subcontinent in the summer months, due to its elusive nature and vibrant guise. ‘Navrang’ or bird of nine colours is the name rightfully given to the Indian Pitta for its striking, multi coloured plumage visible during flight.
Appearance-
The Indian Pitta is a compact bird with a stubby tail and long, dainty legs to balance whilst hopping on the forest floor. The bird has a black stripe that extends to the nape, bordered on both sides with a white throat patch and supercilium.
With leafy green wings and buffy underparts which help it to blend(naturally camouflage) in the environment, the main giveaway of this bird is the red vent and the white patch on wing tips.
Habitat and distribution–
The small bird shows a preference for broad-leaved deciduous and semi-deciduous forests, dense evergreen forests, and even bamboo forests.
As an intra-subcontinental migrant, it travels across different parts of India depending on the season. From May to September, it summers and breeds in regions spanning from Central India up north to the Himalayan foothills. Once the season wraps up, it travels back to peninsular southern India and Sri Lanka as its wintering grounds.
During the breeding season, the Indian Pitta shares these deciduous landscapes with several other remarkable birds found in Central India.
Courtship and nesting-
The males of the species often mark their territory with a two-note call, to then engage in a courtship dance called ‘P dance’, accompanied by posturing where the head is thrown back, and the bill points upwards. The nest is either built on tree branches or on the ground in a large globular shape.
The clutch size contains 4-6 glossy, white eggs speckled with maroon. Both parents engage in incubation and rearing of the chicks.
IUCN- Least concern
2. Blue Pitta (Hydrornis cyaneus)
Blue Pitta, an unobtrusive jewel of Northeast India, these diurnal birds use the daylight to find their cryptic prey of larvae, spiders, snails, worms, and grubs from the leaf litter. The ‘Blue’ in its name aptly describes the cerulean coloring of its plumage.
Appearance-
The Blue Pitta shows evident sexual dimorphism with only the male being too brightly coloured, owing to the bird being named so, with a sky blue back, polka dotted light blue breast and belly, a pale face thin black eyebrow and lava red crown( also seen in females) The female is a dull brown overall twinning the male with pale face, black eyebrow and duller red crown.
Habitat and distribution–
It thrives on dark, shaded forest floors of moist, closed-canopy evergreen and bamboo forests, often along steep-sided ravines and streams. Though the range of this bird is limited in North Eastern India (including Garo hills) and eastern Bangladesh, it is more abundant in Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Southern China.
Courtship and nesting-
Courtship is like that of the Indian Pitta, with fluting calls and wing-fluttering performances. These birds are typically monogamous during the breeding season and further engage in cooperative behaviors to strengthen bonds.
The breeding patterns align with the onset of the rainy season. The nest is a dome-shaped one on the ground or low tree branches, constructed using twigs, leaves, moss, etc, with a clutch size of 2-3 eggs, and both parents are involved in rearing the chicks.
Beyond the deeper forest, visitors can also observe several colourful and familiar birds around Pench
IUCN- Least Concern.
3. Blue Naped Pitta (Hydrornis nipalensis)
The largest Pitta found in India (25cm), this terrestrial bird is a skulker, rarely venturing out into the open except early mornings and late evenings, but makes its presence felt with the unmistakable far-carrying call of “pee-ya!”.
Appearance-
This earthy coloured ground dweller has a contrasting back of teal green and a characteristic sky blue crown and nape. The female is smaller with a rufous brown crown and greenish blue patch on the nape.
Habitat and distribution-
The Blue-naped Pitta heavily relies on dense, humid forests with a thick undergrowth. Subtropical and tropical evergreen forests with deep leaf litter, shaded ravines, and stream edges make a perfect ecosystem. The species ranges across the Himalayan foothills and northeast India. Outside India, this species is found in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Southern China, and Indochina.
Courtship and nesting-
This bird species is monogamous and territorial, engaging in courtship displays with intriguing poems and an exhibition of their vibrant plumages. Nests are made in thick vines or densely vegetated gardens near the forest floor to protect from predators. The clutch size is 3-5 eggs.
For another fascinating example of bird nesting behaviour, explore how Baya Weaver birds in India construct their intricately woven nests.
IUCN- Least concern.
4. Nicobar Hooded Pitta (Pitta abbotti)
The Nicobar Hooded Pitta was earlier believed to be a subspecies of the Western Hooded Pitta or Hooded Pitta (as it was described earlier). The bird was initially described as a unique species in 1902 by American Ornithologist Charles Wallace Richmond.
But during the mid-20th century, it was classified again as a subspecies of Hooded Pitta ( Pitta sordida abbotti). Then, after several comprehensive genetic and morphological studies, in October of 2023 it was finally described as a separate endemic species.
Appearance-
This endemic forest jewel of the Great and Little Nicobar islands exhibits a vivid emerald green body, contrasting with the black head, an iridescent blue shoulder patch, and a scarlet lower belly as a key identifying trait, and a short, stubby tail, rotund body, and long legs.
Habitat and distribution –
The bird shows a preference for thick, lush forests, including both evergreen and deciduous woodland forests. The bird is endemic to the Nicobar archipelago in the Eastern Indian Ocean.
Courtship and nesting-
Like all other Pitta species, the bird also has a courtship dance that includes a showcase of its feathers and body with poems. During mating season, males protect their territories by singing fiercely and performing acrobatic feats. The nest is a carefully crafted structure of twigs, leaves, and grass to camouflage in the surrounding area. Clutch size is 3-5 eggs; the chicks require extensive parental care till the time they are ready to fly out, which is provided by both parents.
IUCN- Recommended for ‘Near threatened’
Also Read: Praying Mantis in India: Facts, Life Cycle & Types
5. Western Hooded Pitta (Pitta sordida)
This summer visitor to the Himalayas and North East India is also known as the tap dancer of the rainforest, ode to its unique foot-tapping display. Like all other Pittas, this bird too hops about on the forest floor looking for insects and berries.
Appearance-
This vibrantly coloured bird does not differ much in its plumage from the Nicobar Hooded Pitta (Pitta abbotti) in its emerald green body, black head, ruby red lower belly and powder blue wing patch, and a chestnut crown. The bird possesses a short, stout bill perfect for its omnivorous diet.
Habitat and Distribution-
This secretive bird lives in the lowland, hill, and lower montane rainforests with dense underbrush, plenty of water sources, and a humid climate.
The Western Hooded Pitta is a seasonal migrant; in the hot summer months of April and May it migrates to the Indian Himalayan foothills and Northeast India, along with Southern China and parts of Southeast Asia. Migrating southwards to its wintering grounds of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, and parts of the Philippines in August or September.
Courtship and Nesting-
Vibrant courtship display of foot tapping and wing flicking to add to the insistent poems. They are monogamous. Nests are made on the ground in natural cavities or leaf litter, with twigs or leaves. The clutch size is 3-5 eggs.
IUCN- Least concern.
Also Read: Crocodile vs Alligator vs Gharial: What’s the Difference?
6. Mangrove Pitta (Pitta megarhyncha)
This passerine bird native to the Indian subcontinent is a master crab smasher. Its scientific name-“Pitta megarhyncha ”- comes from ‘rhynchos’ meaning beak and ‘mega’ meaning big. Thus, it is this bird’s beak, which is specially adapted to help hunt crabs in the mangroves, that sets this bird apart from the rest of its cousins.
Appearance-
This mangrove specialist sports a rufous brown crown, black eye mask, green back and wings, yellow belly, and a red vent. What stands out is the larger, thick black bill, ideal for digging food underground.
Habitat and Distribution-
The mangrove Pitta primarily inhabits Mangrove and Nipa palm forests, as it forages for crustaceans in the mud and roosts in high branches during high tides.
Found in pockets of the eastern coastline of India, notably in Sunderbans in West Bengal, Bhitarkanika in Odisha, and areas of Andhra Pradesh. Outside of India, this bird is found in coastal regions of Southeast Asia such as the Malay Peninsula, southern Thailand, and the islands surrounding Borneo and Sumatra.
Courtship and nesting-
Courtship display is similar to its cousins, involving showing off its plumage and poems (vocalisations) to entice the female. Nesting happens in coastal gardens in secluded ground spots; clutch size is 2-5 eggs.
IUCN- Near Threatened.
Ecological Importance of Pittas
Pittas play an important role in the ecosystems they inhabit. One of its significant contributions comes through pest control. The bird primarily feeds on insects, earthworms, termites, beetles, and other small animals. By consuming these insects, Pittas help regulate pest populations, thereby benefiting agriculture and reducing the need for chemicals.
Another important ecological role of the Indian Pitta is in seed dispersal. While foraging for insects, the bird often picks up small seeds and inadvertently drops them as it moves through the forest. This behavior aids in the propagation of various plant species, thereby promoting a healthy and diverse plant community.
As Pittas search for food, they turn over leaf litter and debris, which can speed up decomposition and help recycle nutrients back into the soil by enhancing soil aeration. Through these activities, Pittas contribute to healthier forest floors and support the overall balance of tropical forest ecosystems
In their natural environment, the Pitta interacts with other species, playing a part in complex food webs. Its presence in the ecosystem attracts predators, which in turn helps balance populations. Its diverse range of interactions, from serving as a prey item to aiding plant growth, highlights the interconnectedness and importance of even seemingly modest forest dwellers in ecosystem health.
Also Read about the Greater one horned rhinoceros of India
Crisis of the jewel thrushes: Threats to Pitta population.
While the IUCN classifies most Pitta species found in India as “Least concern ”, one species is already listed as ‘Near threatened’ and another is recommended for the same status; its population trend is steadily decreasing. Despite their adaptability to secondary forests, the survival of India’s Pittas is increasingly compromised by a unique combination of ecological vulnerabilities and human-induced threats.
Like many forest-dwelling species, they face significant threat from habitat loss. Pittas are terrestrial foragers, strictly dependent on dense undergrowth to hunt for insects in the leaf litter. But due to human activities such as logging, land conversion, and development leading to broad-scale deforestation that strip these birds of their homes, making them more vulnerable to predation
Moreover, Pittas travel along predictable flyways close to the ground, which makes them more susceptible to caging. Local communities that attribute Pittas as seasonal catches pose significant threats. The Indian Pitta is known to travel across the Indian subcontinent for breeding purposes; increasing urbanization, the use of windows, and excessive lights cause disorientation to these small birds. Disoriented birds suffer severe exhaustion, collide with glass windows, or fall victim to domestic predators like stray cats.
In addition, Pittas are also vulnerable to natural predators, including snakes and birds of prey, as well as feral cats, which pose a growing threat in disturbed and fragmented habitats. Together, these pressures continue to reduce Pitta populations across much of their range.
Pitta in myths, tales and folklore
The Ceylon Legend of the Stolen Dress:
The Indian Pitta is known as ‘avichchiya’ in Sri Lanka. Additionally, in Sinhala mythology it is also known to be the harbinger of the new year (the time coincides with the bird’s migration to Sri Lanka).
As the folklore goes, the peacock was originally a dull-colored bird, and so it begged Avichchiya to lend him its vibrant rainbow-like feathers so it could look beautiful for a grand wedding, promising to return it afterwards. The betrayal came soon after when the peacock did not return the feathers borrowed.
The legend continues in the interpretation of the Pitta’s distinct, mournful, two-note whistle, which is a lament of this ancient theft. Translated to Sinhalese lore as crime “Evith giya, evith giya, ayith kiyannam, methe budun buduwana vita ayith kiyannam” – meaning “Came and went! Came and went! I’ll still be complaining when the next Buddha comes! I’ll still be complaining!”
The Bejeweled Timekeeper:
The Indian Pitta is also called the ‘aru-mani kuruvi’ in Tamil, which translates to the “6-o-clock bird”. This refers to its curious habit of calling at 6 AM and 6 PM, where it throws its head back to look up at the sky (The bird, of course, doesn’t always call at that exact time; this is an allusion to its crepuscular behavior of being active during dawn and dusk).
Elders in rural areas historically used the Pitta’s call as a supernatural confirmation of the time of day.
Conclusion
The Indian Pitta and India’s other Pitta species are colourful yet secretive birds that are often difficult to spot without the right habitat knowledge and expert guidance. Protecting their forests and migration routes is essential for their survival. For birdwatchers hoping to experience these elusive forest jewels in the wild, Pugdundee Safaris’ India birding tours offer carefully guided journeys through some of the country’s most rewarding bird habitats.
FAQs:
There are six species of Pitta in India.
The Indian Pitta (Pitta brachyura) is the most commonly encountered species in India.
Nicobar Hooded Pitta (Pitta abbotti) is the rarest pitta in India
A pitta's diet typically comprises earthworms, insects, snails and beetles found in leaf litter.
The nickname has been given to Pitta due to their striking plumage of iridescent shades of blue, green, crimson and yellow.
While most Pitta species are sedentary, the Indian Pitta is a local migrant within the Indian subcontinent, breeding in northern and central India and wintering in the south.
‘Old world’ relates to the entire evolutionary lineage and geographic distribution of the species, which is strictly limited to the eastern hemisphere: Asia, Africa, and Australasia.
The word “Navrang” literally translates to “nine colors”; the bird is called such due to its unique ensemble of feathers with 9 colors, these colors being: Leaf Green, Sky Blue, Turquoise Blue, Crimson, Buff, Black, White, Pink, Brown
Mokshada Mahajan, Naturalist at Pench Tree Lodge, Pugdundee Safaris.
A PRONAT 2025 alumna, armed with a Master’s degree in Tourism and a childhood love for the wild, she loves translating the wonders of nature into unforgettable stories that help people reconnect and rediscover the magic of the wild that captured her own heart as a child.
