North Moluccan Pitta

The North Moluccan pitta is a typical member of the red-bellied pitta species complex. It measures 16 to 18 cm (6.3–7.1 in) and one female has been weighed at 91 g (3.2 oz). The nominate race has a bright red belly and a bright blue breast, separated by a thing green band. The head is brown with a more russet crown and reddish nape. The back is green and the wings are blue-green. The subspecies E. r. obiensis is similar to the nominate but has a duller blue breast. E. r. cyanonota also has a duller breast but also has a dull blue back and a brighter red nape. E. r. bernsteini resembles E. r. cyanonota but has a silvery blue breast and is slightly larger.

The North Moluccan pitta is, as its name implies, endemic to the Moluccan Islands in Indonesia. The nominate race is found on the islands of Morotai, Halmahera, Moti, the Bacan Islands and Damar. E. r. cyanonota is found on Ternate, E. r. bernsteini on Gebe and E. r. obiensis on Obi. The species inhabits a range of forested habitats, from primary rainforest to selectivly logged forest, secondary forest and scrubland. It ranges from sea-level as high as 2,100 m (6,900 ft). It is not thought to be migratory, but it has been suggested that it may be nomadic when climatic conditions make foraging unfavourable.

The diet of the North Moluccan pitta has not been described, but is likely composed of earthworms and other invetebrates as with other members of the family. There appears to be no set breeding season, the female lays two eggs which are white with brown-red and grey-lillac spots.