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pitta

noun
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pit·​ta | \ ˈpitə \

Definition of pitta

1 capitalized : a large genus (the type of the family Pittidae) of chiefly terrestrial nearly songless birds that are found principally in the southern part of Asia and in Australia and adjacent islands and that have short wings and tail, long legs, a stout bill, and brilliant plumage marked by sharply contrasting colors
2 plural -s : any bird of the genus Pitta

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History and Etymology for pitta

New Latin, from Telugu piṭṭa bird

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Cite this Entry

“Pitta.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pitta. Accessed 20 Jun. 2021.

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