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15

Noisy Pitta

(Pitta versicolor)
Alternative name: "Dragoon-bird"
Size: 18-20 cm

Taxonomy, classification

See Noisy Pitta at Wikipedia .

Range, habitat

 (for details refer to a field guide)

Noisy Pittas populate a narrow strip along the east coast of Australia, from the tip of Cape York to the Hunter River valley (Barrington Tops National Park). North of Yarraden, QLD, race "simillima" is found. Further south along the QLD coast, to the tropic of Capricorn (Yeppoon) race "intermedia" follows. Yet further south, between the tropic of Capricorn and Barrington Tops one finds nominate race "versicolor".

Noisy Pittas are usually found in rainforest (both coastal, but also at higher altitude), often with dense undergrowth.

Sightings

After several visits in wintertime, when Noisy Pittas are absent, we first spotted a specimen at Dorrigo NP, northern NSW, in January 2011. The solitary bird seen by us, contrary to its name, was entirely silent.

Photos

Lateral view of a Noisy Pitta in the rainforest of Dorrigo NP

The same bird as above, now seen from behind, with its head turned

Although a very bad photo, this shot, taken without a flash, shows the true colours of the bird more clearly

These pages are largely based on our own observations. For more salient facts on any bird species please refer to a field guide.