the indonesian island of halmahera, part of the north moluccas, is home to the ivory-breasted pitta (Pitta maxima), a small bird. This bird is a favorite with bird watchers and nature lovers alike due to its vivid colors and unique features.
the Ivory-breasted Pitta is endemic to Halmahera, meaning it is found exclusively there. Its natural habitat is lowland tropical rainforests, where it can be found on the forest floor or in undergrowth. Bird watchers seek out this bird because of its distinctive hues, including a deep blue crown, green back and wings, and ivory breast.
![](https://photos.smugmug.com/Birds-By-Country/Indonesia/Passerines/Pittas-Family-Pittidae/Ivorybreasted-Pitta-Pitta-maxi/i-rfXvJXF/5/14bb0b12/XL/Ivory-breasted%20Pitta%202-XL.jpg)
A ground-dwelling animal, the ivory-breasted pitta feeds primarily on insects, worms, and snails. In addition to fruits and berries, it is also known to eat small reptiles and amphibians. the bird is mostly active all day long, and the rainforest can be heard reverberating with its peculiar call, which is like a harp whistle.
![](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49475895036_76d5f30b06_b.jpg)
The bird is also a target for the illegal pet trade due to its distinctive appearance. The bird’s habitat is currently being preserved and its conservation status is being made more widely known.
![](https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/b/ivory-breasted-pitta-pitta-maxima-halmahera-island-indonesia-ivory-breasted-pitta-halmahera-island-indonesia-147957778.jpg)
Video: