How to identify the Garnet Pitta

To correctly identify the Garnet Pitta (Pitta granatina), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

14.5-17.5 cm

Wingspan

25-28 cm

Weight

42-64 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults have a glossy black head with a prominent bright blue supercilium (eyebrow stripe) extending from the lores to the nape. The back, wings, and tail are dark blue to purplish-blue. The underparts are a striking deep garnet-red, contrasting with a black belly and vent. A small white patch is often visible on the primary coverts, especially in flight. The rump is also blue.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Relatively short, stout, and slightly decurved; black in color.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Pinkish-grey to purplish-grey.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The combination of a black head with a bright blue supercilium and deep garnet-red underparts is unique among pittas in its range. The blue back and wings are also distinctive.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles are much duller than adults, with brownish-black plumage overall, a buffy-brown belly, and a less defined or absent blue supercilium. The blue on the back and wings is also duller and more brownish. They gradually acquire adult plumage over several months.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes are noted for the Garnet Pitta. Plumage remains consistent throughout the year.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are generally similar in plumage, though females may be slightly duller in coloration, with less intense red on the underparts and a slightly less vibrant blue supercilium. This difference is often subtle and difficult to discern in the field.

Key field marks

• Head Pattern. Look for the glossy black head with a striking bright blue stripe (supercilium) above the eye, extending to the nape. This is a key field mark.
• Underparts Color. Observe the deep, uniform garnet-red coloration of the breast and belly, contrasting sharply with the black head.
• Upperparts Color. Note the dark blue to purplish-blue back, wings, and tail. A small white patch on the primary coverts may be visible, especially in flight.
• Behavior. Its secretive, ground-dwelling nature, hopping gait, and habit of flicking leaves while foraging are characteristic. Listen for its distinctive whistle.

Explore the Garnet Pitta