Northern Variable Pitohui

Northern Variable Pitohui (Pitohui kirhocephalus) is a species of pitohui in the family Oriolidae. It is found on New Guinea and a number of neighbouring islands. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is also one of the few known poisonous birds.

Etymology

Pitohui is a Papuan phrase meaning "rubbish bird," referring to the group's inedibility. It is also the name of the genus.

Physical Appearance

With the exception of their wings, hooded pitohui and northern variable pitohui were extremely similar. They have a blackish-brown head, pinions, and tail, as well as non-venomous, scaly black legs and claws, brown saddle-pattern wings against black, and an orange-colored belly. Brownish eyes with a hazel color characterize the northern variable pitohui.

Abilities

Pitohuis are among the most poisonous birds in the world because of their eye-catching orange and black feathers. Hence the Papuan name, which is also thought to be dangerous for people. The same toxin had previously been found only in Colombian poison dart frogs from the genus Phyllobates (family Dendrobatidae). The batrachotoxin family of compounds are the most toxic compounds by weight in nature, being 250 times more toxic than strychnine.

Ecology

This bird was omnivorous and was classified as an oriole; in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, they mainly ate poisonous creatures like beetles that Northern Variable Pitohui had coated with poison to ward off predators like pythons, crocodiles, or possums.

This species' striking resemblance to other, unrelated, poisonous birds known as pitohuis is an illustration of convergent evolution and Müllerian mimicry. Another phenomenon known as Batesian mimicry occurs when unrelated, non-poisonous species imitate their appearance. Local hunters steer clear of this bird because they are aware of its toxicity. Although it is one of the most toxic Pitohui species, the toxicity of particular birds can vary geographically.

Behavior

Although this bird is friendly, you should be aware that its bright orange and black colors are extremely poisonous.

Distribution and Habitat

It is found on New Guinea and a number of neighbouring islands. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.

Movement Pattern: Not a Migrant
Individual Type: Solo
Population Trend: Increasing
Population: ???
Locomotion: Airborne
Habitat: All
Earth: Indonesia; Papua New Guinea

Tamed

Coming soon

Lore

Project Pashneia, a scientific attempt by the Terran branch of Gods and Goddesses to create any creatures—animals, monsters, or humans—in terms of their own, produced the toxic gift known as the Hooded Pitohui.