Mangrove Pitta Bird

• A first-ever census of mangrove pitta birds was carried out in Bhitarkanika in Odisha and around 179 birds were sighted.

About Mangrove Pitta Bird(Pitta Megarhyncha)

• The mangrove pitta belongs to the family of pittas, the Pittidae.
• These are colourful birds which have black head with brown crown, white throat, greenish upper parts, buff under-parts and reddish vent area.
• They are small secretive birds, measuring 17 to 19 cm in length and weighing 45 to 65 grams.
• This bird usually feeds on insects and other small invertebrates.
• It is found in eastern part of India especially in Odisha and West Bengal along with countries like Myanmar, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Singapore etc.
• IUCN status- Near threatened

About Bhitarkanika National Park

• Bhitarkanika National Park is the 2^nd 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.