Birds are often admired for their beauty and graceful nature, but what many people don’t know is that some birds can be deadly. While most birds aren’t poisonous, there are a few species that contain toxins that can harm humans.
The poison found in these birds is usually located in their feathers, skin, or eggs. In some cases, just touching the bird can be enough to cause harm. Here are seven of the most poisonous birds in the world.
1.Hooded Pitohui
Preferring rainforests of New Guinea, the Hooded pitohui is a small, stocky bird that is renowned for its toxicity. It is a member of the Oriole family. An adult is tawny-colored overall with black head, tail and wings.
Their poison
It is one of the species of bird known to contain batrachotoxin, a highly poisonous substance found in some frogs. According to researchers, this small bird gets its toxins from its main meal, choresine beetles.
After consuming the meal, the toxins travel from their stomachs to their feathers; with the poison being in higher concentrations around their legs, belly and breasts.
There have been several reports of humans being poisoned after eating this bird. In most cases, the poison has caused paralysis but scientists have stated that it can cause cardiac arrest. The exact level of toxicity varies from individual to individual and it is not known why some people are more affected than others.
Birders at Spanishbirdguides caution, if you encounter the hooded pitohui do not touch it.
- Arafura Shrikethrush
The arafura shrikethrush is a small bird with a big voice. Found in woodlands throughout Australia, this bird is easily recognizable by its song, which has been described as “shrill and metallic.” But despite its loud voice, the arafura shrikethrush is a shy bird that is often hard to spot.
Their poison
Unlike the hooded pitohui birds above, not all birds of this shrikethrush family are poisonous. Researchers tested some birds and found that only part of the population has batrachotoxins (BTXs)
The birds that contain this poison are thought to have had the same meals as the hooded pitohuis above since they are mostly found in the same regions.
Other facts:
Despite its small size, the arafura shrikethrush is an important part of the Australian ecosystem. This shy bird helps to control insect populations and plays an important role in seed dispersal. The arafura shrikethrush is also an important indicator of habitat health, so conservation efforts to protect this species can have far-reaching benefits.
- Blue-capped Ifrita
Found in high altitudes in New Guinea, the blue-capped ifrit is a medium size bird about 6.3-6.7 inches in length. This bird has brown upperparts and is buff below. Note the distinctive blue cap.
Their poison:
To defend themselves, these birds produce the BTXs toxins. Like other birds on this list, the toxins are concentrated on their feathers. Coming into contact with these small birds can cause paralysis.
The bird feeds on insects (choresine beetles) and berries, and can often be seen perching in trees. The blue-capped ifrita bird is not considered to be endangered, but its numbers are declining due to habitat loss.
- European quail
Can quails be poisonous? Yes, the European quail is known for its beauty as well as its toxicity. Mostly known as the common quail, this poisonous bird is found in parts of Africa and Asia. This small game bird is streaked brown overall with a wingspan of up to 14 inches.
Their poison:
Unlike the birds above, the European quail gets its poison from hemlock seeds. These seeds have a toxic substance called coniine. Birds as young as four-months-old have been known to cause coturnism when consumed. Coturnism is muscle cell breakdown.
The European quail is not considered to be at risk of extinction and has a stable population. However, it is affected by habitat loss and changes in land use practices across its range.
- African Spur-winged Goose
The African spur-winged goose is a member of the waterfowl family Anatidae. It is the only member of the genus Plectropterus. The species is native to Africa, where it occurs in sub-Saharan Africa.
The African spur-winged goose is a large bird, with a length of 33-45 inches and a wingspan of 59–79 in. The body mass can range from 5.7 to 15.4 lb. The plumage is mainly black, with a white face and underparts. The legs and feet are pink-red.
Their poison:
Their favorite meal is the blister beetle. Like choresine beetles, these little insects contain a poison that is absorbed into the flesh of the goose. This toxin is known as cantharidin and according to research as little as 10 mg can kill an adult.
The African spur-winged goose is a gregarious bird, forming large flocks when not breeding.
- Red Warbler
The red warbler is a common sight in Mexico, often seen flitting through forests and gardens. These small songbirds are easily identified by their bright red plumage. Red warblers are known for their cheerful songs, which often sound like trills or chips. Although they are not the largest or most colorful member of the warbler family, they are one of the most beloved.
Their Poison:
Red warblers are considered to be some of the most toxic bird species. They contain toxins called alkaloids.
Other facts:
These little birds typically mate for life and often build their nests near water sources. Red warblers typically have 4-5 chicks per clutch, and both parents take part in raising them. Once the chicks fledge, the family group often stays together until wintertime. Warblers are mostly insectivores, so you’ll often see them flicking their tails as they search for food.
- Brush Bronzewing Pigeons
Native to Australia, the Brush Bronzewing pigeon is a member of the Columbidae family. Measuring anywhere from 9 to 13 inches in length, these birds are easily identified by their iridescent bronze plumage. Both male and female Bronzewings have similar plumage, although the males tend to be slightly larger than the females.
Their Poison:
Gastrolobium is a flowering and toxic plant that is commonly found in some parts of Australia. The brush bronzewing pigeon consumes these plants. Their bodies are tolerant to the toxin but their predators are not.
Other facts:
While they can be found in woodlands and forests throughout Australia, Brush Bronzewing pigeons are most commonly seen near gastrolobium trees that produce seeds that they feed on. In addition to seeds, these birds also eat insects. During the breeding season, which typically takes place between September and January, brush bronzewing pigeons will build nests made of sticks and twigs in tree hollows or among rocks.
- Ruffed Grouse
The Ruffed Grouse is a chicken-sized bird that is found in woods across North America. The male has a distinctive black ruff around its neck and a fan-like tail. The female is also similar in plumage. Both sexes have brownish-gray coloring.
Their Poison:
These toxic birds consume twigs and buds of the quaking aspen. Like other plants of this list, this invasive plant is poisonous but the ruffed grouses’ biological system can tolerate the toxin.
Other than the quaking aspen plant, they will also eat berries and other plant material. In the winter, they eat buds from trees and shrubs. Their diet helps them to survive in cold weather and provides them with the nutrients they need to reproduce. The Ruffed Grouse is an important part of the forest ecosystem.
Final Thought:
What birds are toxic to humans? Avian species that lead to paralysis and muscle cell damage include the hooded pitohui, ruffed grouse, red warbler, Arafura shrikethrush and the African Spur-winged Goose. In the article above we’ve looked at each of these birds and what leads to their toxicity. If you come across any of these poisonous birds, watch them from afar. Do not touch them.
