During our birding trip to PICOP in May 2022, we were lucky enough to spot the rare Azure-breasted Pitta — a Philippine endemic. This post details when and where we saw it, and shares tips for fellow bird photographers.
1. When & Where
- Date: May 2022 (2-day stay)
- Location: PICOP (Philippines) — in the forested area under the pitta’s known territory.
- Note: We ventured into the forest (including a path past an old cemetery) with a local guide — essential for increasing chances.
2. Target Species / Highlights
- Species: Azure-breasted Pitta (Pitta steerii) — endemic to the Philippines.
- Reason for target: Its striking light-blue coloration (“as the name suggests”) made it a top goal for this trip.
3. Full Story (Encounter & Observation)
We spent two days at PICOP for birding. On the final day, the pitta appeared relatively close and for a prolonged time — perhaps because it was a young individual maintaining its territory.
Though the forest paths were rough and the ground buggy, the persistence paid off. Despite the difficulty, finally seeing the vivid turquoise-blue plumage was worth the effort.
If you go during the right season, you can see it with a very high level of certainty. However, our guide still took us to three different spots before we finally succeeded. Some areas have steep climbs and descents, so those who are not confident in their physical strength should take caution.
4. Photography
5. How to Get There / Guide Tip
- PICOP is large; we used a local bird-guide — Mr.Zardo. In practice, he is essentially the only available private guide you can hire in PICOP. However, a friend of mine recently used him and the experience was not necessarily ideal. I recommend confirming the target birds and the specific season when they can be seen, and making sure you are fully satisfied with the explanation before committing.
7. Conclusion
Spotting the Azure-breasted Pitta was the highlight of our Philippine birding trip — its unique colors and elusive nature made it all the more special. For anyone visiting PICOP, with a good guide and readiness for a forest hike, there’s a real chance to see this gorgeous endemic.