The Blue-banded Pitta (Pitta arquata) is a striking bird, known for its vibrant plumage and unique appearance. Here are three paragraphs about this species:

The Blue-banded Pitta is an eye-catching bird with vividly colorful plumage. Its head and chest are covered in bright red feathers, contrasted by a deep blue band running across the chest, which gives the bird its name. The back and wings are a rich green, while the belly and flanks are a warm brownish-yellow. This coloration allows the bird to blend into its tropical forest habitat, yet it remains noticeable when spotted up close.

The Blue-banded Pitta is primarily found in the tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia, Borneo, and Sumatra. They typically inhabit lowland to mid-elevation forests, where the dense, humid undergrowth provides ample cover and food sources. These birds thrive in areas with thick leaf litter, where they can easily forage and hide from predators.

This species is shy and elusive, making it difficult to observe in the wild, as it often stays hidden in dense vegetation. The Blue-banded Pitta feeds mainly by foraging on the forest floor, searching for insects, worms, and small invertebrates. Their breeding season usually coincides with the rainy season, when food is abundant. They build nests on or near the ground in thick underbrush, laying between 2 to 4 eggs.