Birds live in one of the cleanest tropical forests in the world. They were discovered on an expedition to the forests of New Guinea. Genetic changes have allowed these birds to carry a highly potent neurotoxin in their feathers.

what is known

Each of the new species has evolved the ability to eat poisonous food and turn it into its own poison. This makes them look like some poisonous frogs. Scientists say that the mechanism of formation of this ability is similar from an evolutionary point of view, but some have no contact with others and often live in different parts of the planet. In addition, the mutation that provides resistance occurs in different parts of the DNA.

We were very surprised to see that these birds are poisonous. For over two decades, not a single new species of venomous bird has been discovered in the world.
– says the study’s author, Knud Jonsson of the University of Copenhagen.

The poison found in the bodies and feathers of these birds is called batracotoxin. It is an incredibly potent neurotoxin, and in high concentrations it causes muscle spasms and cardiac arrest in humans immediately after contact.

Pachycephala schlegelii bird / Photo: University of Copenhagen

According to zoologists, locals dislike spicy food and avoid these birds because their meat “burns the mouth like hot peppers.” In fact, that’s how researchers learned about them for the first time.