Pittas find new haven in Odisha districts

The first-ever census of mangrove pitta birds was conducted in two coastal districts of Odisha, yielding 179 sightings.
Mangrove pitta birds are a nearly threatened species located in a few regions of eastern India, notably Odisha’s Bhitarkanika and West Bengal’s Sundarbans.

A census of mangrove pitta birds was undertaken for the first time in the districts of Kendrapara and Jagatsingpur in Odisha, India.
Mangrove pitta birds are a near-endangered species found only in a few regions of eastern India, including Bhitarkanika in Odisha and the Sundarbans in West Bengal.
The census concentrated on the mangrove patches along the two districts’ beaches.
The census was conducted using the point count method, with 32 teams deployed in 32 pre-identified parts.
To perform the census, the teams either hiked into the forest or used country boats in waterways.
The census gathered data on the distribution, habitat, and breeding habits of birds in coastal mangroves.
During the census, 179 unique mangrove pitta birds were counted.
The biggest number of birds was discovered in the mangroves near the mouth of the Mahipura River within Bhitarkanika National Park.
The mangrove pitta forages on the ground and rests on trees and is found in India’s coastal mangrove forests.
Gopinath Sudarshan Yadav, the DFO of Rajnagar Mangrove Forest Division, provided the above information concerning the census and the mangrove pitta birds.

Pitta birds are small to medium-sized passerine bird family.
Pitta birds are found in tropical parts of Asia, Africa, and Australia and number around 40 species.
They are famous among birdwatchers and avian enthusiasts due to their brilliantly colored plumage.
Pitta birds live in a wide range of environments, including forests, mangroves, grasslands, and wetlands.
They primarily consume insects, snails, and other tiny invertebrates.
Many Pitta bird species are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as killing and trapping for the pet trade.
Some Pitta bird species are migratory, traveling considerable distances each year to mate and feed.
Pitta birds are significant seed dispersers as well as indicators of the health of tropical forest ecosystems.
Pitta bird conservation activities include habitat restoration and protection, as well as steps to prevent hunting and trapping.
The Mangrove Pitta (Pitta megarhyncha) is a nearly threatened species found in a few regions of eastern India, notably Odisha’s Bhitarkanika and West Bengal’s Sundarbans.

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