Hello, everyone! Today, let’s talk about a somewhat unusual bird. Did you know that there are species of birds that carry poison? This time, we’re discussing the astonishing creature known as the “Hooded Pitohui.”
The Hooded Pitohui resides in the tropical forests of Papua New Guinea and is a small bird measuring about 25 cm in length. It boasts beautiful feathers with vibrant black and orange hues, but hidden behind this beauty lies a shocking secret. Remarkably, it carries a powerful neurotoxin called “batrachotoxin” in its feathers and muscles!
Yes, the Hooded Pitohui is one of the rare birds in nature that possesses poison. This toxin is usually associated with poison dart frogs and is known to be extremely potent. But, worry not. The Hooded Pitohui doesn’t produce this poison on its own. Instead, it acquires the toxin by consuming certain insects that are part of its favorite diet. This mechanism is somewhat similar to how pufferfish accumulate their poison.
You might wonder if the Hooded Pitohui is affected by eating these toxins. In fact, through genetic changes, it has developed resistance to this toxin. Thanks to the poison, it can protect itself from predators and parasites.
The discovery in 1990 that a bird could carry poison was a world-first. Since then, other toxic birds have been discovered, garnering attention as “poisonous birds.” However, this unique ability is not exhibited in captivity. Hooded Pitohuis raised by humans do not carry this toxin. Indeed, what they experience and eat in the wild holds significant meaning.
By incorporating what it eats into its own defenses, the Hooded Pitohui may seem quite clever. Its story reminds us of how much of nature remains unknown and how many surprises are yet to be discovered. See you next time!
