Pitohui- the Poisonous bird!!!!

[Buteo]

In 1989, ornithologist John Dumbacher was collecting specimens using fine nets to catch and release forest birds in Papua, New Guinea. One of the birds caught was an odorous, bright orange & black bird known as a Hooded Pitohui (pronounced "pit-oo-eey," like the sound one makes spitting out something foul tasting). The bird pecked & clawed at any hand that tried to extract it. When John received a scratch from the bird, it stung sharply. He immediately did what most of us would do - put the injury to his lips. Almost instantly he discovered just what a mistake that was as his lips & mouth started to tingle, then go numb. It turned out the bird's feathers & skin contain a poison. There are three species of Pitohui which vary in toxicity;
the Hooded Pitohui has the strongest concentration of toxin,
the Variable Pitohui is the middleground,
and the Brown Pitohui is least toxic.

In 1992, after years of serious investigation, the poison was finally identified as a Homobatrachotoxin. This poison is a steroidal alkaloid, who's chemical composition is very similar to that found in 3 species of Columbian Poison Dart Frog. If one were to eat the bird, the poison can be dangerous. A solution distilled from a few milligrams skin of the Hooded Pitohui will kill a mouse in a few minutes.

On return trips, John Dumbacher tried to discover where the birds were picking up the toxins. He wisely asked the locals what they had seen the birds eating in the wild. A few people mentioned numerous insects, including a small beetle. A short time later the villagers presented John with a few examples of the insect- a nonpoisonous Choresine beetle, only 7mm long. When the beetles were analyzed, the scientists discovered the same Homobatrachotoxin. Subsequent examinations of the stomach contents of captured Pitohuis confirmed the birds do in fact consume Choresine beetles.

So if you are ever asked, you know the truth.
Yes Virginia, there is such a thing as a poisonous bird.

[mamalovesrico]

Oh, I love it! What a great explanation! I'm surprised but why I am so surprised at a poisonous bird. It only makes sense and other animals replicate this same defense. Just a cool fact and great story line. Thanks. Pit-ooo-ey!

[Tiki]

Cool story! That's the kind of thing you win trivia contests with!

[Ringneckmom]

I just saw this the other night on Animal Planet. Who ever knew!