A Complete Guide to the Mangrove Pitta: The Jewel of the Sundarbans

As its name suggests, the Mangrove Pitta is a colourful bird identifiable by the diverse mangrove forests it inhabits. A ground forager and tree sitter, this beautiful species ranges from the Sundarbans across the mainland Asian coastline down to Singapore and Sumatra. It is a vital part of India’s coastal mangrove forests and a delight for any birdwatcher to spot.
Pittas are a family, Pittidae, of passerine (perching) birds found in Asia, Australasia, and Africa. Among the 44 species, the Mangrove Pitta stands out as a monotypic species (having no subspecies), distinguished by its hard, long bill and striking plumage. Let’s learn more about this fascinating bird.
Appearance: A Splash of Colour
The Mangrove Pitta is a small but stocky bird, measuring 18 to 20 cm in length and weighing 90 to 120 grams. Its appearance is a stunning combination of earthy tones and vibrant highlights.
Head: The adult has a greyish-brown cap with a thin, light blackish-grey median stripe. A broad black band extends from the lores (the region between the eyes and the bill) to the back of the neck, creating a striking black mask.
Throat & Belly: The chin, throat, and sides of the neck are whitish, contrasting vividly with the black mask and the warm, ochre-coloured belly.
Body & Wings: The upperparts—shoulders, mantle, back, and wings—are a dark shade of greyish-green. A large, pale greenish-blue glossy patch adorns the side of the wings.
Tail & Underparts: The uppertail is a brilliant blue, while the lower belly, vent, and undertail are bright red. The tail itself is characteristically short and stubby.
Sexes and Juveniles: Both males and females have similar plumage, but juveniles are duller in comparison, with a whitish chin.
Habitat and Range
The Mangrove Pitta is a specialist, found almost exclusively in mangrove ecosystems. Its range extends across the Sundarbans of India and Bangladesh, on to Myanmar, the Thai-Malay Peninsula, and the island of Sumatra. It is also found in mangrove patches on many small offshore islands.
Behavior and Diet
This species is primarily a ground forager, meaning it actively searches for food on the mangrove floor. Its diet consists mainly of crustaceans, mollusks, and terrestrial insects. It uses its long, hard bill to hunt for small crabs and other invertebrates that inhabit the rich mangrove mudflats. After foraging, it becomes a tree rester, often perching on high branches, which can make it easier to spot in the dense forest.
The Distinctive Call
The call of the Mangrove Pitta is loud, clear, and wafting. It is a repeated “wieuw-wieuw” or “oieuw-oieuw” sound, with the syllables separated by a distinctive pause. The call is usually made from the canopy or treetops, and also from its nest.
An Important Bio-indicator
The Mangrove Pitta is more than just a beautiful bird; it is a crucial bio-indicator of the health of mangrove forests. Its presence signifies a thriving, balanced ecosystem, highlighting the importance of protecting these vital coastal habitats.
Threats and Conservation Status
Unfortunately, the Mangrove Pitta faces significant threats. Coastal mangrove forests are under immense pressure from human activities. Forestlands are being cleared for agriculture, aquaculture (shrimp farming), and the collection of fuelwood and charcoal. This leads to the destruction and fragmentation of its specialized habitat.
Due to its restricted habitat and a moderately rapid population decline, the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) classifies the Mangrove Pitta as Near Threatened. Careful monitoring of its population and dedicated efforts to conserve its mangrove home are essential for its survival.

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