© Ian van Coller
© Gabriel Jamie
© Michael Buckham
© Wayne Paes
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© Nicholas Fordyce - Birding Africa

African Pitta Pitta angolensis

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Identification

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An unusual and beautiful bird that is rarely seen, even by those expressly looking for it. Note the buffy underparts, green back, red undertail, and bold facial pattern. Found on the floor of forest and dense thicket. Very shy, remaining motionless for long periods. At least some populations are migratory within Africa. The call is an explosive, liquid “phwit.” Can only be confused with Green-breasted Pitta, but separated by the lack of a dark-green breast.

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