Atelornis pittoides

(Lafresnaye, 1834)

Vernacular names
English : Pitta-like ground-roller
French : Brachyptérolle pittoïde

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Coraciiformes
Family : Brachypteraciidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a maximum length of 28 cm for a weight up to 114 g. Unmistakable. Bright blue head with black crown and mask, white line behind eyes and white spots on crown. White throat, green wings, rest of plumage chestnut.

Range and habitat
This species is endemic to Madagascar and occurs in most of the eastern half of the island. It lives in wet and dry rainforests, secondary forests and plantations, to 2000 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : This species could be threatened by habitat destruction, high levels of brood-parasitism and disturbance from tourists. It remains relatively safe so far.
Ex-Situ Programs : None

Observation
Weltvogelpark Walsrode (Germany), Zoo Zürich (Switzerland)

 

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