The graceful pitta ( Erythropitta venusta), sometimes alternatively known as the black-crowned pitta (although this term is more regularly applied to Erythropitta ussheri), is a species of bird in the family Pittidae. It occurs in Sumatra in Indonesia, where its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist . It is threatened by habitat loss.
Taxonomy
The graceful pitta was formally described in 1836 by the German naturalist Salomon Müller under the
binomial name Pitta venusta. His specimens had been collected in western Sumatra.
The specific epithet is from the
Latin adjective, venustus, meaning "beautiful" or "lovely".
The graceful pitta is now one of 15 species placed in the genus
Erythropitta that was introduced in 1854 by Charles Lucien Bonaparte. The species is
monotypic: no
subspecies are recognised.
Description
The graceful pitta is a petite bird that measures approximately in length. Its black coloring is enhanced with reddish undertones, and the bottom of its
Wing have vivid blue stripes running down them. The lower breast and
abdomen are a dull crimson. The upper chest is dark brown with a
purple hue. The legs can appear to be either a purple-blue or a
pale blue, and its iris is a
dark brown color. The bill is
black. The extended tail has reddish-black hues. Males and females show little sexual dimorphism.
Juveniles have an all dark brown exterior with less
color variation throughout the body. They also have pinkish-grey feet, a red tipped bill, and grayish colored irises.
Its call has been described as a high pitched train whistle which remains at a consistent pitch.
Distribution and habitat
The graceful pitta is a native of the
Indonesia West Sumatra,
which consist of thick
tropical forest with various species of plants, animals, and insects. It inhabits dense, moist woods with a thick
understory of plants, but its habitat has been decreasing rapidly due to
deforestation owing to the demand for
palm oil, which Indonesia is the largest producer of.
Behaviour
The graceful pitta flies close to the ground, primarily in
Residential area levels through the trees.
Breeding
According to research, breeding can take place from May to July, and possibly as early as from February to October. But, only one nesting has been recorded for graceful pittas, which took place in May. The birds construct their
Nest that typically are placed around above the ground, using materials such as dead leaves,
Bamboo, fine roots, degraded
Fiber, and
moss. The graceful pitta typically can produce two to three eggs every breeding cycle. Each of the
has a distinctive look with a dull white tone and dark brown and gray lilac spots.
Conservation status
The graceful pitta has been legally protected from
hunting since 1931.
However, its population is primarily threatened by deforestation, besides minor agriculture and aquaculture.
In 2016, it had been rarely observed and thus was provisionally classified Vulnerable, with habitat loss suspected as the reason for the decline of its population, estimated at 2,500-9,999 mature individuals.
Gallery
Erythropitta venusta 1838, crop.jpg|Illustration by Nicolas Hüet
Pitta venusta - De vogels van nederlandsche Indië (1860) (20269391674) (cropped).jpg|Adult and immature
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