In the colorful world of birds, there is a dazzling star, seemingly just flew out of a fairy tale, adorned with seven-colored plumage, known as the "Rainbow Elf" of the bird world. It is the Fairy Pitta (scientific name: Pitta nympha), also known as the Eight-Colored Bird or Little Forest Angel, a name that sounds as elegant and beautiful as a fairy.
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Pittidae
Genus: Pitta
Species: Fairy Pitta. nympha
The rainbow fairy of the bird world
The Fairy Pitta belongs to the genus Pitta in the family Pittatidae. Its global range is approximately 1,170,000 square kilometers, and it is distributed in mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, North Korea, and Brunei.
It has a small body measuring 16-19.5 centimeters and weighs about 90 grams. However, its most stunning feature is undoubtedly its plumage: a vibrant green on its back and wing arches, interspersed with cobalt blue on its scapulars and upper tail coverts, and a dark green tail with a blue tip. Its head is chestnut brown, and its face is adorned with black and white stripes, like a mysterious mask. This colorful plumage has not only earned it the title of "Rainbow Sprite" but also left everyone who sees it in awe.
Unique recipes for snack lovers
Don't let the fairy pitta's ethereal beauty fool you; it's actually quite the little foodie. Earthworms, beetles, spiders, slugs, snails, and even small snakes and frogs are all delicacies for it. Earthworms, in particular, are the most important food source during the fairy pitta's chicks' rearing period, making up more than 70% of their diet. Imagine this elegant little bird flitting through the fallen leaves of the forest, searching for earthworms – it's absolutely adorable.
Masters of migratory bird life
The Fairy Pitta is a typical migratory bird, breeding in Northeast Asia during spring and summer, and then migrating to warmer Southeast Asia for the autumn and winter. Every year from April to September, they establish territories in Northeast Asia, engaging in high-profile courtship, nest building, and incubation. Then, starting in October, they begin their southward migration, heading towards Borneo, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, and other destinations. During their migration, they even choose the same routes, punctually and precisely each year, as if they possess a built-in navigation system.
The Forest Singer with a Beautiful Voice
The Fairy Pitta is not only striking in appearance, but its song is also exceptionally beautiful. Its call is clear and resonant, melodious like a whistle; scientists have even described it as "kwah-he kwa-wu." This song is used not only for courtship but also for the male to defend its territory. When singing from a high branch, it likes to gracefully sway its tail up and down, as if dancing to its own performance.
The fragility and challenges of diverse lives
However, the Fairy Pitta's beauty is accompanied by a fragile survival status. Due to deforestation, habitat destruction, hunting, the cage bird trade, and human disturbance, the population of this beautiful bird is declining and it has been listed as "Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Fortunately, countries around the world have realized the importance of protecting the fairy pitta, and many regions have established protected areas and raised public awareness of conservation.
The Future of Little Forest Angels
As "forest angels," the Fairy Pitta not only adds vibrant colors to nature but also reminds us of the importance of protecting it. It is a masterpiece of nature, an vital member of the ecosystem, and a vibrant note in the human heart.
If you are lucky enough to encounter a Fairy Pitta, please remember to stop and quietly appreciate its beauty and melodious song. Also, please protect its habitat so that this little fairy of the forest can continue to fly freely in the sky and add more color to our earth.
