Azure-breasted Pitta (Pitta steerii) [XC411624]
by Rolf A. de By from Rajah Sikatuna NP, Bohol, Philippines (song)
Azure-breasted Pitta (Pitta steerii) [XC270580]
by Rolf A. de By from Rajah Sikatuna NP, Bohol, Philippines (song)
Subspecies
Has sometimes been considered closest to Superb Pitta (Pitta superba) and Ivory-breasted Pitta (Pitta maxima). Possibly forms superspecies with Superb Pitta (Pitta superba), Ivory-breasted Pitta (Pitta maxima) and Hooded Pitta (Pitta sordida), but morphological differences appear to be too great for this treatment to be acceptable. Subspecies coelestis poorly differentiated, possibly not meriting taxonomic recognition.
The following 2 subspecies are recognised:
coelestis Parkes, 1971 - Central Philippines (Samar, Leyte, Bohol).
steerii (Sharpe, 1876) - Mindanao.
Similar Species
Hooded Pitta (Pitta sordida) which is smaller, duller, has black throat and green underparts.
References
See References.