1716 



THE PERCHING BIRDS 



Typical 

 Pittas 



I./ 



The typical pittas {Pitta) possess no crests of elongated feathers, 

 but are plain headed, having a strong, thrush-like bill, gradually 

 curved; while the wings are of moderate size, the first and second 

 quills being but slightly graduated. The tail is very short, almost hid by the 

 coverts, and may be broad and rounded or narrow and pointed. The feet are very 

 long and adapted to a terrestrial life; for the pittas pass most of their existence on 

 the ground in the midst of dense jungle. They rarely fly long distances except on 

 migration, but their flight is strong and well sustained. These pittas may be 

 regarded as the most characteristic birds of Borneo, where six species are found, 

 three of the number being peculiar to the island. Of Ussher's pitta, Mr. White- 

 head says: " The bright scarlet breast when turned toward one is not easily distin- 

 guished from the scarlet fruits and bright red dead leaves which carpet these 

 forests. The bird when alarmed generally keeps its dark back toward one, which 

 is still more difficult to see in the dusky shades of the forest. ' ' 



The Indian pitta (P. brachyura] ranges from the lower slopes of the Himalayas 

 to Ceylon. Most common in forest regions, in the Central Provinces, Mr. Gates 



says that it breeds in July and 

 August, building a huge glob- 

 ular nest of twigs and leaves on 

 the ground or in a low branch. 

 Mr. Hume says that few Indian 

 eggs are more beautiful than 

 those of this species, these being 

 glossy white in ground color, 

 marked with maroon and purple. 

 In the Carnatic, the Indian pitta 

 occurs chiefly in hot weather, 

 when the land winds first begin 

 to blow with violence from the 

 west, and in many instances it 

 appears to have been blown by 

 the gale from the eastern ghats, 

 for being a bird of comparatively 



feeble flight, it is not well able to contend against the full force of the wind. At 

 such times the pitta takes refuge in huts, outhouses, or any building that will afford 

 it a shelter. The Indian pitta is a taciturn bird, though it possesses a fine loud 

 whistling note, and it appears to be a migratory visitor to Ceylon, arriving from 

 the north with the snipe. Although this pitta is a local migrant, being found in 

 the southern part of its range in winter, and in the central and northern portions in 

 the hot weather and rains, yet a certain number of birds appear to be constant resi- 

 dents in all parts of its range suited to its habits. During its sojourn in Ceylon, the 

 Indian pitta is shy and wary, resorting chiefly to tangled brakes and ill-kept native 

 gardens. It rarely alights on a tree, and is oftenest seen alone, but three or four 

 individuals are sometimes met with in company. It feeds on beetles and other 

 insects. The adult has the forehead, crown, and lower parts fulvous; a broad 



THE BLUE PITTA. 



