Southern Variable Pitohui

Southern Variable Pitohui (Pitohui uropygialis) is a species of pitohui in the family Oriolidae. It is found on New Guinea and a number of neighboring 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

Hooded Pitohui and Southern Variable Pitohui were very similar, with the exception of their wings. They have a chestnut saddle pattern on their wings against black and brown, an orange-colored belly, and a blackish-brown head, pinions, and tail, in addition to non-venomous, scaly black legs and claws. The Southern Variable Pitohui has brownish eyes that are hazel in color.

Abilities

Pitohuis, with their striking orange and black feathers, are among the most poisonous birds in the world. Thus the Papuan name, which is also considered to be harmful to humans. It is also one of the few known poisonous birds, and its skin and feathers are covered in the toxic substance homobatrachotoxins.

Ecology

This bird, which was categorized as an oriole and was omnivorous, mainly consumed poisonous animals in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, such as beetles that Northern Variable Pitohui had coated with poison to fend off predators like pythons, crocodiles, or possums.

The striking similarity between this species and other, unrelated pitohuis—poisonous birds—is an example of convergent evolution and Müllerian mimicry. When unrelated non-poisonous species imitate them, it is another phenomenon called Batesian mimicry. Because they are aware of its toxicity, local hunters avoid this bird. Even though it belongs to the most toxic Pitohui species, the toxicity of specific birds can vary depending on where they are found.

Behavior

Despite being friendly, you should be aware that this bird is extremely poisonous due to its bright orange, chestnut, brown, and black colors.

Distribution and Habitat

It can be discovered in New Guinea and the nearby islands. Subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests are its natural habitat.

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

Tamed

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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.