Indian Pitta
Pitta brachyura
About the Indian Pitta
The Indian pitta is a small, strikingly coloured bird that migrates to Wilpattu during the winter months. It has a combination of bright colours unmatched by any other bird in the park: a green back, cobalt blue wings, bright yellow belly, black head with a buff crown stripe, and a brilliant crimson patch under the tail. It is about the size of a myna. Despite its vivid colours, it can be surprisingly hard to spot as it hops through the leaf litter on the forest floor.
Wilpattu Significance
The Indian pitta is a winter visitor that arrives in Wilpattu around October and stays through March. It is one of the most sought-after birds for visiting birdwatchers. During its stay, it forages on the forest floor for insects, worms, and snails. Its beautiful, clear whistle can be heard throughout Wilpattu's forests during the winter months.
Conservation Status
Least Concern. A migratory species that is common within suitable wintering habitat.
Best Season to See
October-March (winter migration period).
Best Locations in Wilpattu
- Forest floor near Manikwila
- Mahaweva forest
- Thalawila area
- dense scrub near villus
Viewing Tips
- 1Listen for its distinctive, clear whistle — often the first sign of its presence
- 2Look for it hopping on the forest floor, especially in leaf litter near water
- 3It is most active in the early morning and late afternoon
- 4Be patient — it often emerges into the open after a few minutes
- 5Focus on areas with thick leaf litter where insects are abundant
Photography Tips
- The colours are most vibrant in soft morning light filtering through the canopy
- A pitta on the forest floor with green background makes a stunning composition
- Use a telephoto to avoid disturbing its foraging
- Wait for it to hop into a patch of sunlight for the best colour saturation
Did You Know?
The Indian pitta's call is often described as sounding like 'walk-to-work' or 'wet-your-teeth' — local birdwatchers have created mnemonic phrases to remember its distinctive five-note whistle.
Ready to see the Indian Pitta in the wild? Book a Wilpattu safari with expert naturalists who know exactly where and when to find them.