PITTA CONCINNA. 
ELEGANT PITIA 
Pitta concinna, Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1857, p. 65, April (Lombock).—Id. B. New Guin. vol. iv. pl. 31.— 
Schleg. Vog. Nederl. Ind., Pitta, 1863, рр. 12, 32, pl. 3. fig. 1.—Id. Mus. Pays-B., Pitta, 1863, 
p. 10 (Sumbawa) ; 1874, р. 14.—Wall. Proc. Zool. Soc. 1863, p. 485 (Lombock, Flores). —Id. 
Ibis, 1864, pp. 102, 106.—Sclat. Cat. B. 1888, vol. xiv. p. 426 (Lombock, Flores). 
Pitta mathilda, Verr. Rev. Zool. 1857, p. 303, pl. xi., July (Lumbang!, Philippines !). 
Brachyurus concinnus, Elliot, Mon. Pitt. 1863, pl. x.—Id. Ibis, 1870, p. 416. 
Brachyurus vigorsi, Bonap. Consp. Gen. Av. vol. i. 1850, p. 255 (nec Gould). 
Hasırar.—Lombock ; Boima on Sumbawa—type of В. vigorsi, Bonap. (nec Gould) (Schleg. Voy. 
Forsten); Flores. 
Adult. Front, and broad line over the eye, rufous, narrowing and becoming pale bluish behind the 
eye; rest of head and nape jet-black; back and wings dark green. Primaries black, with a 
white spot on 8rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th; lesser wing-coverts and rump shining blue. Tail black at 
base, remainder green. Under wing-coverts black. Throat and centre of neck in front black. 
Underparts fawn-colour, centre of abdomen black; vent and under tail-coverts scarlet. Bill black ; 
feet and tarsi pale yellowish horn-colour ; iris dark. Length 6} inches, wing 4, tail 14. 
This pretty species was almost simultaneously described by Messrs. Gould and 
J. Verreaux, but Mr. Gould’s name has priority by about two months. It is a native 
of Logik and Flores, and also of the island of Sumbawa, where, as stated by Schlegel, 
the example called by Bonaparte B. vigorsi, 1. c., was procured by Forsten. Bonaparte 
mistook it for the bird named by Gould after Mr. Vigors, which, however, is quite a 
different species and has a white throat. 
The type of this Pitta was obtained by Mr. Wallace in the island of Lombock and 
sent to London, when it came into the possession of Mr. Gould. It is one of the 
small species of the Family, and with its relative P. coronata (P. irena, auct.) can be 
distinguished from the other buff-breasted Pittas by the black of the throat extending 
into a point on the breast. 
Mr. Wallace states that this species in Lombock was rather plentiful in a level sandy 
tract densely overgrown with low trees and shrubs, and intersected with numerous 
pathways. The bird’s presence would be made known by its pattering tread among 
the dry leaves, a glimpse would be obtained as it passed lightly under the thickest of 
the covert, and the least motion to secure another view of the Pitta would be 
followed by a slight flutter and flash as it flew noiselessly away. 
* A dead Pitta, as it lies when just shot,” he continues, “is exceedingly beautiful. You 
do not find it lying on its side, or all in a heap, like other birds, but invariably flat on its 
back, the feet up in the air, the plumage beautifully puffy, and the crimson patch on 
the belly displayed to the best advantage. This peculiarity of the dead bird is perhaps 
owing to the short tail and wings and the roundness and plumpness of the body ; 
but it produces an effect which I was never weary of admiring, and gave a crowning 
charm to the excitement and pleasure of Pitta-shooting.” 
