Hooded Pitta is one of the pittas with the broadest distribution pattern. It is found on the mainland of Asia from the north east of India and has a patchily distribution through Birma, Thailand and Malaysia. It occurs as well on Sumatra, Borneo, the Philippines, the North of Sulawesi as in the lowlands all over of Papua. Within this distribution range 12 geographical races can be distinguished. The race found on Papua New Guinea is Pitta sordida novaeguineae.