A bird flaunted its vibrant red belly, set against a stunning white vest that made it truly stand out! This unique creature, known as the ivory-breasted pitta (Pitta maxima), is a hefty, long-legged bird that primarily roams on land. Its lower abdomen boasts a mesmerizing red patch that is impossible to miss, especially against the contrasting white plumage that stretches from the neck to the flank. The black upper edge adds to its striking appearance, along with an ultra-blue patch above it. The top of the red patch is bordered by a similar shade of blue, completing the dazzling display of colors on this beautiful bird.
Compared to adult birds, juvenile birds are described as “somewhat muted,” with a “buff color on their underside.” The ivory-breasted pitta can be found in the North Maluku region of Indonesia, residing in lowland tropical moist forests as their natural habitat.
In general, these creatures are often heard rather than seen. While there is limited information on their diet, it is thought that they scavenge for earthworms and caterpillars on the ground.
The breeding behaviors of the Ivory-breasted pitta are not commonly observed, but some nests containing more than one egg have been found between the months of May and July.
One significant issue revolves around the ivory-breasted pitta, which does not fall into a more endangered group. This group consists of species that are abundant and have a wide distribution.