Blue-winged Pitta

Identification

The blue-winged pitta is a striking small passerine measuring 180–205 mm in length, unmistakable in its brilliant plumage. It features a black head with a distinctive buff-coloured stripe above the eye, a white chin, and buff underparts. The back and shoulders are greenish, while the wings are bright blue—the bird's most eye-catching feature. The vent area is reddish, and the bird has a notably short tail. The bill is black, eyes are brown, and legs are pale pink. Juveniles display similar patterns but are noticeably duller. The loud, distinctive call is transcribed as taew-laew taew-laew.

The blue-winged pitta resembles the mangrove pitta, but can be reliably distinguished by its shorter bill. This is one of four closely related species forming a superspecies complex with the Indian pitta, fairy pitta, and mangrove pitta.

Range & Habitat

The blue-winged pitta is regularly found across a vast swathe of Asia, from central Myanmar eastward through Thailand and peninsular Malaysia, with its range extending into India, Indonesia, southern China, and the Philippines. It has been recorded as a vagrant to Australia, Christmas Island, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. It serves as a winter visitor to Borneo and Sumatra.

This species favours lowland subtropical and tropical forests and is remarkably adaptable, occurring in broadleaved forests, parks, gardens, and mangroves up to 800 metres elevation. Notably, it actively avoids dense rainforest, preferring more open woodland habitats where it can forage effectively on the ground.

Behaviour & Diet

The blue-winged pitta is primarily a ground feeder, hunting worms, insects, and hard-shelled snails by foraging on the leaf litter or from low branches and perches. Its secretive nature and preference for the forest floor make it somewhat elusive despite its colourful appearance.

Breeding occurs in spring, with birds in peninsular Malaysia laying eggs from early May through late July. The pitta constructs a characteristically large, untidy spherical nest from twigs, roots, grasses, leaves, and mosses, typically positioned on the ground between tree roots near water and featuring a side entrance. Clutches comprise 4–6 white or cream-coloured eggs marked with purple. Both parents incubate the eggs for 15–17 days until hatching.

Best Time & Places to See It

The breeding season from May to July offers the best opportunity to encounter this species, particularly in peninsular Malaysia where it is regular. Thailand and Myanmar are reliable locations within its core range. Winter visitors should also check Borneo and Sumatra during the cooler months. Early mornings when the bird's loud call is most active increase the chances of locating this ground-dwelling species.

Look for the blue-winged pitta in open woodland, forest margins, and gardens rather than in dense interior forest. Its preference for areas near water and between tree roots makes forest floors and damp woodland edges prime habitat to search.

Photography Tips

The blue-winged pitta's bright blue wings and contrasting black head make it visually striking, but its ground-foraging habits and preference for shaded forest understory present challenges. Early morning light, when the bird is most active and vocal, provides the best opportunities for photography. A longer lens (300–400 mm equivalent) is advisable given the bird's wariness and the often-dappled light of its woodland habitat.

Patient waiting near known feeding areas, especially near water margins and around fallen logs and leaf litter, increases success rates. The bird's loud call can help locate individuals. Avoid dense rainforest; focus instead on open woodland edges and clearings where light penetration is better and the bird is more visible.