Poisonous Birds Found in New Guinea 0 11

The discussion is about the regent bowerbird and the rufous-backed bowerbird. Their existence was known, but only now have researchers established that these birds are also poisonous. Their weapon against natural enemies is batrachotoxin, first identified in tree frogs.

According to experts, the feathered creatures obtain this toxin from their diet and successfully 'incorporate' it into their bodies. However, the toxin is present in the birds' feathers in much smaller quantities than in frogs, and therefore is not dangerous to humans.

Local residents, who sometimes consume the described birds, compare the sensations to the effects of chili pepper.