Is the Endangered Fairy Pitta Nesting in Downtown Gwangju?

Feeding Activity of Fairy Pitta Observed at Hansaebong in Buk-gu
"Possible Breeding Site...Urgent Need for Conservation Measures"

The fairy pitta, a Class 2 endangered wild species and Natural Monument No. 204, has been observed in the mountainous area of downtown Gwangju. There are also suggestions that the area may serve as a breeding site, increasing the need for ecological conservation.

The Pal색조, a Class 2 endangered wild species and Natural Monument No. 204. Provided by Jin Hyesook of the Gwangju Urban Bird Census Citizen Survey Team.

On June 18, the Gwangju Federation for Environmental Movements announced, "The Gwangju Urban Bird Census Citizen Survey Team filmed the fairy pitta foraging in the Hansaebong area of Buk-gu, Gwangju, this morning."

The video shows a single fairy pitta carrying an earthworm in its beak and moving around, after which it disappears into the bushes. This has led to speculation that the bird may be nesting and rearing its young. Experts are focusing on the fact that this behavior is characteristic of food-carrying during the breeding season.

The fairy pitta is a summer migratory bird about 18 cm in length, known as the "jewel of the forest" due to its iridescent plumage, which includes a green back, cobalt-blue shoulders, and a red belly. In South Korea, it is a rare species observed only in limited areas such as the southern slope of Hallasan in Jeju, Jindo in South Jeolla Province, and Geoje Island.

The Hansaebong area, where the fairy pitta was observed, is currently undergoing apartment construction as part of a private park development project. The Gwangju Federation for Environmental Movements stated, "Hansaebong is home to not only the fairy pitta but also various legally protected species such as the Eurasian sparrowhawk. This case provides a very important clue that the area could serve as a breeding site for endangered birds. Urgent and proactive conservation measures are needed."