Indian Pitta is a colorful bird from the Pittidae family, found in many parts of India. Probably it is the only common Pitta bird seen in Kerala.
The above photo of the Indian Pitta was taken from Periyar Widlife Sanctuary in Idukki district of Kerala. Photographed on 5th April 2015.
They are known to be migratory birds in Kerala during winter, but some are resident. They usually spent most of the time nearer to the the ground, mostly between under growth. They are very timid birds. They mainly feed on insects, and move by jumping on the ground from one spot to the other.
The wings are green in color. Head, chest and belly regions are golden yellowish, tail is short with blue color. Rump is red colored and legs are light red colored. Bills are also reddish with a black shade towards the tip. There is a black marking running from near the bills to the back of the neck on both the sides. There is a white lining below the eyes. There is also a long black lining above the head. With their yellow chest and green wings they camouflages well with forest ground; as seen n the above picture. But their distinct calls make them easier to spot.
They belong to the family Pittidae and the scientific name is Pitta brachyura.
