Mangrove Pitta Bird

In News

• India’s first Mangrove Pitta Bird census is conducted In Odisha’s Bhitarkanika.

About

• The census was carried out for the first time in the country to study the population analysis of these birds.
• The objective of the census is to record the growth pattern of these birds. These birds are yet to be conferred endangered category. 

Mangrove Pitta Bird 

• About: 
  • The mangrove pitta (Pitta megarhyncha) belongs to the family of pittas, the Pittidae.
  • Mangrove pitta are colourful birds which have black head with brown crown, white throat, greenish upper parts, buff under-parts and reddish vent area. 
  • They foraging on the ground and resting on the trees.
• Habitat:
  • Coastal mangrove forests of India.
• Distribution:
  • India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN: Near Threatened 

About Bhitarkanika National Park

• Bhitarkanika National Park is the 2nd largest Mangrove ecosystems of India. 
• It’s located in the estuaries where the rivers Brahmani and Baitarani meet. This is the habitat of the endangered saltwater crocodile.
• The Gahirmatha Beach which forms the boundary of the sanctuary in the east is the largest colony of the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. 

Source:  TH