Pitohui

Pitohui is a genus of birds endemic to New Guinea. The genus contains five species, all of which are known for their striking coloration and, most notably, their toxic plumage. This toxicity is derived from batrachotoxins, the same potent neurotoxins found in poison dart frogs, which the birds sequester from their diet of certain beetles and other arthropods. The pitohui's bright orange, black, and white or grey plumage serves as an aposematic signal, warning potential predators of their unpalatable nature.

The pitohuis are passerine birds belonging to the family Pachycephalidae, commonly known as whistlers and allies. They are medium-sized birds, typically found in rainforest habitats. Their diet consists mainly of insects, fruits, and seeds. The discovery of toxicity in pitohuis was a significant finding, as it was the first time such toxins were identified in a bird species. This phenomenon challenges earlier assumptions about the transfer of toxins solely from plants to herbivores, highlighting a more complex food web.

The toxicity varies among species and even individuals, with some pitohuis being more poisonous than others. The toxins are present in the skin, feathers, and muscles. Handling pitohuis can cause a burning sensation or numbness in humans. Despite their toxicity, pitohuis are generally considered to be shy and elusive birds. Their unique biological defense mechanism has made them a subject of scientific interest in evolutionary biology and toxicology.