Western Hooded Pitta Pitta sordida Scientific name definitions

The Western Hooded Pitta is one of Asia’s most frequently observed and familiar pittas. Comprising six subspecies and four subspecies groups (as recognized herein), it exhibits considerable phenotypic variation, with deep genetic divergence from four other species formerly treated as conspecific with it, namely Nicobar Hooded Pitta (Pitta abbotti), Minahasa Hooded Pitta (Pitta forsteni), Eastern Hooded Pitta (Pitta novaeguineae), and Biak Hooded Pitta (Pitta rosenbergii). While most subspecies are sedentary, one (cucullata), undertakes a considerable migration from the Indian Subcontinent to the Sundas, where it joins resident populations in the undergrowth of forest, well-vegetated gardens, plantations, and mature scrub. Principally a lowland species, the Western Hooded Pitta is readily identified throughout its range: the combination of green body plumage, dark head, and bright blue wing-coverts easily distinguish it from all other sympatric pittas.