Pitohui dichrous
The Hooded Pitohui (*Pitohui dichrous*) is a strikingly colored passerine bird, endemic to New Guinea, known primarily for its unique characteristic as the first avian species scientifically confirmed to be venomous. Measuring approximately 22-23 cm (8.7-9.1 inches) in length and weighing 67-76 grams (2.4-2.7 oz), this bird is easily identified by its contrasting glossy black head, wings, and tail, set against a vibrant rufous-orange body, lacking any significant sexual dimorphism. Taxonomica...
Found primarily in dense lowland and hill primary forests, forest edge, and secondary growth, typically from sea level up to 2,000 meters in elevation across New Guinea.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on beetles, ants, and cicadas gleaned from foliage and bark, supplemented by small fruits and berries.
Hooded Pitohuis are diurnal birds, actively foraging throughout the day in the canopy and sub-canopy layers of their forest habitat. They employ a gleaning foraging strategy, meticulously searching foliage, branches, and bark for insects, though they also consume fruits. While often observed sing...
The Hooded Pitohui is endemic to the island of New Guinea, where it is widely distributed across both the Indonesian provinces of West Papua and Papua, and the independent nation of Papua New Guinea. Its extensive range covers nearly the entire main island, including many of the adjacent smaller ...
Least Concern
- The Hooded Pitohui was the first bird ever scientifically documented to be venomous, a discovery made in 1990 by ornithologist Jack Dumbacher. - Its toxicity comes from batrachotoxin alkaloids, the same potent neurotoxins found in poison dart frogs. - The bird does not produce the toxin itself ...