PITTA USSHER 
USSHERS РЕА 
Pitta ussheri, Sharpe, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1877, p. 94; 1881, p. 798 (Borneo).—Id. Ibis, 1879, p. 263; 1889, 
р. 442; 1890, p. 281 (Borneo).—Nicholson, Ibis, 1883, p. 88.—Gould, В. Asia, vol. v. pl. 75.— 
' Selat. Cat. B. vol. xiv. 1888, p. 430. sp. 19. 
Pitta venusta, Salvad. Ucc. Born. 1874, p. 241 (nec Müll.).—Elliot, Auk, 1890, р. 356 (Borneo). 
HABITAT.— Borneo. 
Front, top, and back of head jet-black, with a slight purplish gloss in some lights; a narrow post- 
superciliary pale blue stripe; a metallic reddish-purple collar on back of neck ; back black, with 
a purple metallic gloss. Wings black, the coverts broadly margined with pale metallic blue. 
Throat brownish black; breast dark purplish maroon; rest of underparts scarlet. Tail black, 
margined with blue on outer web of feathers. Bill black. Legs slaty blue. Iris brownish black. 
Length 5:5 inches, wing 3:5, tail 1:5. 
The specimen above described was procured by Mr. C. F. Adams on the Sualamba river in Borneo. 
Dr. Sharpe states that his type specimen had the throat black. In the above example, which is in 
full adult plumage, the throat is brownish black, of quite a different hue from the top of the head. 
This species was described by Sharpe, 4. e., as distinct from the well-known P. venusta, 
to which it bears a general resemblance, but is much more brilliant in coloration. 
Mr. Whitehead, in the notes on Bornean birds collected by him, published by Sharpe 
in the “Ibis, l. c., says that Ussher's Pitta is a local species, but common in parts of 
Northern Borneo. In spite of its bright colour, it is a difficult bird to distinguish in 
the forest, its scarlet breast harmonizing closely with the scarlet fruits and bright red 
leaves common in the localities it frequents ; and when alarmed it keeps its back turned 
towards its pursuer, rendering it difficult to be observed in its dimly-lighted retreats. 
The note is a prolonged whistle, ceasing suddenly when it has attained its greatest volume. 
He adds that Pittas are good ventriloquists, and one was frequently found close to him 
when its note would seem to indicate that the bird was a good distance away. 
Mr. Adams, who also obtained this species in Borneo, says it is usually observed on 
the ground, but sometimes perches on a twig of a fallen branch. The flight is low, and 
occasionally it was seen sitting on a log with the bill elevated, softly whistling a very 
mellow and musical strain. 
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