Check out this cute little bird:
Now, there is something really unique about it. So unique, it's the only bird we know to exhibit this trait!
Can you guess what it is?
Well, let's first start with some basics.
Depicted above is a hooded pitohui, scientifically described as Pitohui dichrous, and occurs in New Guinea.
Now, what makes this bird really unique is that it is the only bird we know that is... Poisonous!
Specifically, it contains a range of batrachotoxin compounds in its skin, feathers and other tissues. This is the same toxin that poison dart frogs use.
Although its toxicity was known to the Melanesian locals since forever, it was "officially" found and described to be venomous by accident by an ornithologist called Jack Dumbacher.
He was working with some birds when he scratched his hand while handling one caught in his nets. Instinctively he put his finger in his mouth to soothe the pain but doon after his tongue and lips went numb and then even started to burn. A burn that lasted for hours and hours.
He suspected that it might have been venom from the birds but like a true scientist he confirmed his hypothesis with another experiment. He took a feather from a bird and put it directly in his mouth with similar results 😅😂
Sometime later he had a chat with the locals who also confirmed the poisonous nature of the bird. In the local language it is known as "garbage bird" due to its crappy taste when consumed. Not surprisingly, it's something they avoid to eat unless they run out of options...
And that's the quick run down of the world's only venomous bird!
Here's a video with some more pics and info on the bird
And here's some actual footage
And finally a video of Jack Dumbacher recollecting his story with the bird
Ok frens, this is it for today!
See you soon with more wonders of mother nature!
References
Posted Using INLEO
