- © J. Dumbacher. Used with permission.
There are six sub-species of Pitohuis. The level of toxicity varies by sub-species, geographic location, and diet. Some individuals from some populations do not have toxin. The most colorful, the Hooded Pitohui, P. dichrous, and Variable Pitohui, P. kirhocephalus, are the most toxic.
Facts and Features
- Geographic Distribution
Native to New Guinea
- Amazing Facts
Some New Guinea tribes people believe that a Hooded Pitohui can be eaten if it is held in the hands and mourned as if it were a dead child. However, a ‘mourner’ must be certain to mourn long enough to make the bird palatable!
- At the Aquarium
Information on the Hooded Pituhoi is very limited because of its isolation. Our thanks to researcher scientists, Jack Dumbacher, PhD and Robert Heinsohn, PhD for their assistance in the preparation of this information. Information about this bird which is not on exhibit at the Aquarium is supplied for reference.