About Erythropitta ussheri (Gould, 1877)
This species, Erythropitta ussheri, reaches a length of 13–15.5 cm (5.1–6.1 in) and a body weight of 50–64 g (1.8–2.3 oz). Adult individuals have distinctive markings: a black head and black breast that contrast with a crimson belly, plus prominent, narrow, pale blue raised stripes that extend backward from the eyes. Their upperparts are dark purple-blue, with an iridescent azure patch on the bend of the wing. The tip of their bill ranges from bright red to orange. Nestlings are yellow, with coral-red gapes and coral-red bill tips. Juveniles are uniformly dark brown until they start to develop adult plumage. This pitta has only been recorded in the Malaysian state of Sabah on northern Borneo. It lives in lowland tropical rainforest, ranging from sea level up to approximately 300 m in elevation; above this elevation, it is replaced by the blue-banded pitta. It prefers dark, damp locations, especially ravines under dense cover. In prime habitat like the primary forest of Danum Valley Conservation Area, recorded population densities are 21–22 pairs per square kilometer. It can also occur in selectively logged areas, as well as in overgrown rubber plantations and overgrown Albizia plantations.
