“Rubbish Bird,” the Hooded Pitohui

Known locally in parts of Papua New Guinea as the “Rubbish Bird,” the Hooded Pitohui is considered poisonous and inedible, a reputation backed by science.

In 1992, according to National Geographic, scientist John Dumbacher and his collaborators made the groundbreaking discovery of the bird’s toxicity while researching Birds of Paradise in PNG.

The Hooded Pitohui is the most toxic of the six pitohui species. Its skin and feathers contain batrachotoxin, the same powerful toxin found in certain South American poison dart frogs. Scientists believe the toxin comes from the bird’s diet, particularly the toxic Choresine beetle, which it consumes while foraging for fruits and seeds.

Batrachotoxin is more lethal than cyanide, capable of irritating nerves, causing paralysis and even leading to death in both humans and animals. Like many poisonous species, the Hooded Pitohui uses its bright colouring and strong odour as a warning to predators.