Indian Pitta

The Indian Pitta, Pitta brachyura, is a medium-sized passerine bird. It breeds mainly in the sub-Himalayas and winters in southern India and Sri Lanka. These birds are found in thick undergrowth and are often more easily detected by their calls. They however often crash into houses during the migratory season and their brilliant colouration makes them an object of curiosity.

 We had one such bird crashland in our Office parking lot at Bangalore. Thankfully a colleague picked up the bird and brought it in. The exhausted bird was too weak to even stand let alone fly.

 After a force feed of water and some rest; the Pitta gained some strength to try and escape. However lacked the energy to go too far.

 A small nesting box was made with a small cardboard carton and the bird was placed inside. It was an encouraging sign when the Pitta began to eat and also had a drink of water.

It was decided to let the bird rest overnight and was released early morning today. It was a very satisfying sight to see the bird regain strength and fly away since Pitta numbers are on the decline.