In a first-ever census of Mangrove Pitta (Pitta megharencha) birds carried out in two coastal districts of Odisha, 179 such birds were sighted.
Key points
- The first census of mangrove pitta birds was mainly focused on the mangrove patches all along the coasts of Kendrapara and Jagatsingpur districts.
- Mangrove pitta birds are a nearly threatened species found in few pockets of eastern India, including Odisha’s Bhitarkanika and West Bengal’s Sundarbans.
- Mangrove pitta is a resident non-migratory bird that generally feeds on crustaceans, mollusks and insects.
- The breeding season of this species ranges from April to August in Bhitarkanika.
- Abundant fish in the river and creeks and distance from human habitation has made Bhitarkanika a suitable congenial breeding place for this bird species.
