Biology
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This bright bird is generally found on, or near, the ground (4). Here it forages under fallen logs, boulders and in dead leaves for insects and worms. Little is known about breeding in this species; it has been heard calling frequently in April and June, the period of the wet season when most Philippine passerine birds breed, and juveniles have been observed in June and July (2).
Conservation
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The azure-breasted pitta occurs within the Rajah Sikatuna National Park (3), which protects the vast majority of remaining natural forest on the island of Bohol. Conditions are reported to be fairly good within the park, and the Philippine Department of Natural Resources are reforesting the edges of the park (5). Effective protection of this area is essential for the survival of the azure-breasted pitta, as is the identification and protection of additional important sites (2). It has also been recommended that further research is carried out to establish the current distribution, status and ecological requirements of this stunning bird (2) (3).
Description
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The strikingly coloured azure-breasted pitta is a ground-dwelling bird from the Philippines. As the name suggests, the breast and sides are a bright azure-blue. The centre of the belly is black, whilst the lower underparts are a contrasting scarlet. The head and tail is black, and the throat is white. The rest of the plumage is largely a metallic greenish-blue. The bill is black, and the legs are light brown to flesh-coloured (2). There are two subspecies; Pitta steeri coelestis differs from Pitta steeri steeri only by having slightly paler, less green plumage (2). Its call is a loud series of four to five explosive, short whistles whep-whep-whep-whep repeated every few seconds (3).
Habitat
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The azure-breasted pitta occurs in forest with thick undergrowth, often in association with limestone, below elevations of 1,000 meters (4). On Mindanao Island it has also been found in degraded forest (2).
Range
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Endemic to the Philippines; P. s. steeri occurs on the islands of Samar, Leyte and Bohol, and P. s. coelestis is found exclusively on Mindanao Island (2).
Status
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Classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List 2006 (1).
Threats
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The primary threat to the azure-breasted pitta is the loss of forest habitat on the islands it occupies. All the islands were once completely forested, but now little forest remains. For example, on Mindanao, only 29% of original forest remained in 1988, and that percentage has declined further since. Many of the factors that caused loss of forest habitat in the past still threaten the remaining forest. These include firewood and rattan collection, hunting and trapping, slash-and-burn agriculture, and commercial forestry (5).
Azure-breasted pitta
provided by wikipedia EN
The azure-breasted pitta (Pitta steerii) is a species of bird in the family Pittidae. It is a striking and colorful bird having colors of red, azure, green, black and white, It is endemic to the islands of Mindanao, Bohol, Leyte and Samar in the Philippines. Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Description and taxonomy
EBird describes the bird as "A medium-sized, long-legged bird of lowland and foothill forest floor and undergrowth in the southern Philippines. Green on the back, with a black head and back of the neck, a pale blue wing with a black edge, pale blue underparts with a black patch on the belly, and red under the base of the tail. Similar to Hooded pitta especially if viewed from the back, but has a pale blue chest and a white throat. Song is a short series of medium-pitched barks, 'rak-rak-rak-rak-rak!'"[2]
Subspecies
Two subspecies are recognized:
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P. s. steeri – Found on Mindanao; Darker and has a stronger green tinge
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P. s. coelestis – Found on Bohol, Leyte and Samar; Paler in colour[3]
Habitat and conservation status
It is found in tropical moist lowland forest with dense understory up to 1,000 meters above sea level but more common below 600 meters. It prefers forests with limestone outcrops[3]
IUCN has assessed this bird as Vulnerable with the population being estimated at 2,500 to 9,999 mature individuals remaining. This species' main threat is habitat loss with wholesale clearance of forest habitats as a result of logging, agricultural conversion and mining activities occurring within the range. The most effected part of its range is Bohol which only has 4% forest cover remaining.
Only a few areas are protected in Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape in Bohol and Samar Island Natural Park but actual protection and enforcement from illegal logging and hunting are lax.
Gallery
References
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Azure-breasted pitta: Brief Summary
provided by wikipedia EN
The azure-breasted pitta (Pitta steerii) is a species of bird in the family Pittidae. It is a striking and colorful bird having colors of red, azure, green, black and white, It is endemic to the islands of Mindanao, Bohol, Leyte and Samar in the Philippines. Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.
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- Wikipedia authors and editors
