Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Pittidae
Genus: Pitta
Species: P. moluccensis
Identification
This is a small plump breast, strong bill, longish legs, and short tail. Upperparts greenish, with bright violet-blue wing coverts and blackish outer wings, with big white wing-patches in flight; rump violet-blue; tail black with narrow blue band at tip; head black, with paler buff-chestnut band above eye; throat white; underparts buff, shading to crimson on belly and flanks; legs pinkish, feet and toes yellowish; bill black; eyes dark brown.
This birds breeds at different times. Builds a large, untidy spherical nest on the ground of twigs, roots, grasses, leaves and mosses, with side entrance, often between tree roots near water. The female lays 4-6 white or cream eggs, heavily marked with purple; and is incubated by both parents, for 15-17 days.
Habitat
Blue winged pittas migrate at night, when they may form loose flocks. The blue-winged pitta forages by flicking fallen leaves aside with its bill to expose prey ranging from ants or snails to large crickets,. It also looks in the soil for earthworms.
Location
Singapore Botanic Garden
Singapore
February 2009