Blue-winged Pitta

The blue-winged pitta is a brightly patterned ground bird 18–20.5 cm long. It has a black crown crossed by a buff eyebrow, a white throat, green back, vivid blue wing coverts and tail, warm buff underparts and a scarlet patch beneath the tail. The short tail, sturdy pinkish legs and upright posture are typical of pittas. Its larger blue wing patch and brighter underparts help distinguish it from the migratory fairy pitta (Wikipedia, general species account; Khao Sok species account).

The species ranges from northeastern India and southern China through mainland Southeast Asia to Malaysia and Indonesia. It uses moist woodland, secondary growth, mangroves, parks and gardens, generally avoiding the darkest forest interior. Birds hop over damp ground and leaf litter for insects, earthworms and hard-shelled land snails. A pair builds a domed nest on or close to the ground, often beside roots or water. Both parents incubate the four to six eggs for 15–17 days (Wikipedia, general species account).