Two New Venomous Bird Species Discovered in Papua New Guinea, Flesh Tastes Like Burning Chili

A team of researchers from the University of Copenhagen and the Natural History Museum of Denmark has discovered two new species of venomous birds during an expedition to the rainforest mountains of Papua New Guinea. This discovery, published in the journal Molecular Ecology in 2023, is significant as no new venomous bird species had been found in over twenty years. The two species identified are the Obuhai whistler (Pachycephala schlegelii) and the rufous-naped bellbird (Aleadryas rufinucha). These birds are relatively common in the region, and their venomous nature, present in their feathers and skin, was only revealed after laboratory analysis of samples collected in the field. The toxin found in both species is batrachotoxin, one of the most potent neurotoxins known to science. The name batrachotoxin originates from the Greek word 'batrachos,' meaning frog, as the compound was first identified in poison dart frogs in Central and South America. Batrachotoxin is known to be approximately 250 times more toxic than strychnine. In high concentrations, it can cause severe muscle spasms and cardiac arrest within minutes of contact. This discovery deepens our understanding of venom evolution in birds and their role in the ecosystem. The research highlights the rich biodiversity of Papua New Guinea and the many biological secrets that remain to be uncovered.