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6 poisonous birds from around the world
When we talk about poisonous animals, birds rarely make the list. Snakes? Absolutely. Frogs? Sure. But birds? Most of us see them as peaceful, graceful creatures– the kind that fly away at the first sign of danger.
But in a few corners of the world, there are birds that break this pattern. These rare species carry natural toxins, not to attack others, but as a quiet defence. And interestingly, the poisons don't come from their own bodies. They're linked to what these birds eat.
Here's a look at some of the world's lesser-known poisonous birds– and how they've evolved to keep predators at bay.
Hooded Pitohui
This bird might look bright and beautiful with its orange and black feathers, but it's not one you'd want to handle casually.
The hooded pitohui has toxins in its skin and feathers that can cause numbness in humans. Locals know to keep their distance– they've learned from experience. Scientists believe the bird gets its poison from the toxic insects it feeds on.
European Quail
For the most part, European quails are completely safe. But during migration, their diet can shift to include toxic plants like hemlock. When that happens, the birds may carry harmful compounds in their bodies.
Eating them in this state can lead to a rare but dangerous condition called coturnism, known to affect muscles and kidneys.
Little Shrikethrush
Small, brown, and fairly plain-looking, the little shrikethrush wouldn't strike anyone as dangerous. Yet, it contains batrachotoxins– the same type found in poisonous frogs. Like other birds on this list, it likely absorbs the poison through its diet.
Blue-Capped Ifrita
Found high in New Guinea's cloud forests, the blue-capped ifrita might look soft and harmless.
But its feathers carry potent toxins that act as a shield against parasites and predators. The poison, once again, comes from insects in its food chain– a subtle but effective natural defence.
Northern Variable Pitohui
Closely related to the hooded pitohui, this bird doesn't have a consistent level of poison. Some of them are more toxic than others, depending on their environment and diet. The colour of their feathers often hints at how dangerous they are– the brighter ones tend to be more toxic.
Red Warbler
Found in the highlands of Mexico, the red warbler stands out for its vivid colour. According to online sources, while it hasn't been studied as thoroughly as some of the other birds on this list, early findings suggest it may carry toxic compounds.
