Least Concern Birds

African Pitta

Pitta angolensis

Colorful bird eating insects and berries in African rainforests.

Scientific name	Pitta angolensis
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Pittidae
Size	Male: approximately 17-19 cm, weight about 50-70 g; female similar in size, slightly lighter in weight

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How to identify

Brightly colored plumage, green back, blue crown, red chest; distinct black eye stripe and white supercilium; short, sturdy legs adapted for ground activity; somewhat rounded body shape, broad wings in flight.

Habitat

Tropical and subtropical moist forests, especially dense lowland rainforests and river valley thickets.

Diet

Primarily feeds on insects and other invertebrates, also consumes small lizards and berries; omnivorous with carnivorous tendency.

When it is active

Diurnal, mainly active in early morning and late afternoon.

Where it lives

Distributed in central and southern Africa, including Angola, Zambia, Tanzania, southern Kenya and adjacent areas; present in Kenya’s Maasai Mara region.

How to spot it

Quietly wait near the forest floor in dense woods at dawn or dusk, listen for its distinctive call; use binoculars to observe its vivid plumage; avoid disturbing its habitat.

Photography tips

Use a telephoto lens to capture color details; photograph in soft light during morning or evening; remain quiet and avoid flash.

Threats

Habitat loss due to destruction and deforestation; local agricultural expansion and human disturbance.

Similar species

Similar to Asian pittas (Pitta spp.) but African pitta is more brightly colored and has a different range; distinguished from other African ground birds by its unique color combination and body shape.

📖 how to spot the african pitta on safari