Fun Facts
Locals of the New Guinea tribes believe that if you mourn the death of a Hooded Pitohui as if it were a dead child, it will be edible! The tribe has to be sure that the mourner has mourned the death of the bird long enough though, just to be cautious (Aquarium of the Pacific).
The Hooded Pitohui is considered to be the first documented toxic bird. It was discovered by John Dumbacher in 1989 while he was conducting undergraduate research in New Guinea.
Used with permission from FORA.tv
The island locals helped scientists find the Choresine beetles which allow the Hooded Pitohui to incorporate toxins into the feathers. They called these beetles "nanisani" which describes the tingling feeling that is experienced when the toxin comes in contact with the skin (Aquarium of the Pacific).
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