"Six O’Clock Bird" Indian Pitta: A Colorful Gem of Indian Forests!

• The Indian Pitta, known as the "Six O’Clock Bird" for its melodious morning and evening whistle, is a vibrant, ground-dwelling bird.
• Measuring 18-20 cm, this bird (Pitta brachyura) features bright colors, a short tail, and strong legs, preferring to hop on the forest floor.
• Found in dense forests like Dudhwa and the Terai region, it feeds on insects, termites, and earthworms, aiding in pest control.
• It breeds from summer to monsoon, laying 4-5 eggs in ground or bush nests.
• Its unique lifestyle, beauty, and distinctive call make it a special inhabitant of North and Central Indian forests.

Why It Matters: The Indian Pitta is a small, colorful bird with a unique call and ground-dwelling habits, vital to forest ecosystems.