Fairy Pitta Nest Found in Gumi for First Time: A Mother's Dedication Through Heavy Rain

The Fairy Pitta, a rare migratory summer bird with a global population of only about 5,000, has been confirmed to be breeding in the wild in Gumi, Gyeongsangbuk-do.

With a male and female pair successfully building a nest, laying eggs, and hatching them, attention is now turning to the possibility of the species inhabiting inland areas.

Fairy Pittas are migratory birds that typically breed in the southern coastal regions of Korea.

The Fairy Pitta is a colorful bird with more than seven distinct colors on its body.

In Korea, it is designated as Natural Monument No. 204 and a Class II Endangered Wildlife species, receiving strict protection.

According to the Gumi branch of the Korea Association for Bird Protection on July 21, a pair of Fairy Pittas was captured on camera building a nest and laying five eggs in a mountain in Haepyeong-myeon, Gumi, on July 11.

All of the eggs hatched five days later.

The Fairy Pitta family appeared to be in good health, as they were seen feeding their chicks on July 19, even after more than 200mm of heavy rain poured down on the Gumi region over the previous two days.

Fairy Pittas arrive in Korea between May and July to raise their young before departing for Southeast Asia in the winter.

While they primarily stay in southern coastal areas, this is the first time they have been spotted in the inland city of Gumi.

Kwon Young-hyun, head of the Gumi branch of the Korea Association for Bird Protection, said, "It is highly significant that the Fairy Pitta, which has very specific habitat requirements, has been observed in Gumi for the first time," adding, "It suggests that despite the many industrial complexes in Gumi, the natural environment is being well-managed."

He added, "Since Fairy Pittas always return to the habitats where they have successfully bred, I hope the chicks observed this time will return next year."

(Photo courtesy of the Korea Association for Bird Protection Gumi Branch, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.