ii6 



THRUSHES. 



the shallow streams. If disturbed, they either seek safety by running away, 

 which they do very quickly, or by flying to a branch of some neighbouring 

 tree, and remaining concealed for a time amidst the foliage. Like the thrushes, 

 the male and female closely resemble each other ; but it is curious to find that 

 the young are plumed and coloured exactly like the adult from the time they 

 leave the nest. Most of the species of pitta are very beautifully ornamented, 

 the colours being generally in bright contrast. Some seek their insect-food 

 among the thick cane-beds near the coast ; others {P. cyanea), common in 

 the islands of the Eastern Archipelago, run very quickly, and keep in the most 

 sombre places. The adults fight like quails whenever they meet. The nest 

 of the garnet pitta is formed among the bushes near the ground, and is fre- 

 quently concealed from view by orchids and other parasitical plants. 



Fig. 6i.— The Blue Pitta {Pitta cyanca). 



The Short-winged Pittas {Brachypteryx), found in the thick forests and 

 jungles of Malacca and Java, are generally seen in the more open parts of the 

 forest, on the lowest branches of trees, from whence they occasionally make 

 short sallies after insects ; but they may also be observed upon the ground 

 searching among the fallen leaves for ants, worms, and the larva; of insects. 

 Their ordinary note consists of a quickly reiterated babbling, but they also 

 possess a more plaintive song, which sometimes rises to a loud melodious 

 warbling. 



