The rainbow pitta is one of Australia’s most colourful forest birds, dressed in bright greens, blues, reds and yellows that look almost too bold for the shady rainforest floor it calls home. Found in northern Queensland rainforests, it hops rather than flies, flipping leaves to hunt insects, snails and worms. Despite its flashy outfit, it’s surprisingly hard to spot thanks to its quiet, secretive nature. Protecting intact rainforest is crucial, and organisations like the Australian Wildlife Conservancy play a key role in safeguarding the habitats this species depends on. Fun fact: the rainbow pitta builds a domed nest on the ground, often decorated with moss and leaves for extra camouflage.