This brilliant gem of a bird is, like most pittas, exceedingly shy and difficult to see as it forages on the forest floor. Listen for its song, a long, slightly broken whistle.
If seen, its combination of bright red crown, deep purplish-blue back, and sparkling blue wing coverts are diagnostic.
Favors wet lowland and lower foothill forests with a dense understory; can occasionally be found in low-quality secondary or modified habitats.
