Other Names (World)
Superb Pitta, Black-backed Pitta
Family
Pittidae (Pittas)
Size
22 cm
First Described (Guide)
Rothschild & Hartert, 1914
Habitat
Possibly primary forest and patchy forest with areas of secondary forest and garden regrowth, possibly bamboo thickets or open hilltop forest near a reasonably large river with stones. From 100 - 200 m.
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 250 - 999 (2010).
Status EN
Habitat loss and degradation, predation by feral cats and dogs and Brown Tree Snake Boiga irregularis, are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Habits
Very secretive and hardly ever seen.
Voice
A loud 'ku-ku', the wing-coverts flashing with each note.
Superb Pitta (Pitta superba) [XC800925]
by id from Rossun area, Manus District, Manus Province, Papua New Guinea (call, aaron imitating the pitta, walking noise)
Superb Pitta (Pitta superba) [XC24636]
by David Gibbs from Manus Island, Admiralty Islands, Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea (song)
Similar Species
Flushed birds may be confused with all-black Metallic Starling (Aplonis metallica) and calls may be confused with Mackinlay's Cuckoo-dove (Macropygia mackinlayi).
References
See References.