There is a bird on Earth that can kill a person with its feathers. Which bird are we talking about?

Bird researcher and expert Jack Dumbacher, along with his colleagues, traveled to New Guinea in search of the Raggiana bird of paradise. During their quest, the team accidentally captured several crested pitohuis, but when the scientists released the birds, they were bitten, leading to something unusual, as reported by IFLScience.

The researchers didn’t have any bandages, so they resorted to an old method of treatment — licking their fingers to tend to their wounds. Subsequently, the team noticed something peculiar: their mouths burned and tingled, and some even experienced numbness. At times, these symptoms lasted only a few hours, but occasionally they persisted for a longer duration.

The scientists shared their experience with local guides, who explained that crested pitohuis are likely dangerous to humans. The locals referred to the birds as "rubbish birds" and mentioned that they are inedible and best not handled. Dumbacher and his colleagues became intrigued and decided to continue their investigation.

The researchers' findings revealed that the birds' feathers contain a type of toxin, which transfers to humans' hands when they touch the birds and subsequently lick their hands. This is a steroidal alkaloid neurotoxin, and it indeed has potent effects.

According to Dumbacher, the toxin initially may cause tingling, but at higher doses, it can lead to paralysis, cardiac arrest, and even death. The team concluded that this is one of the most toxic natural substances known in the world.

Why are the bird's feathers so toxic?

The researchers believe the reason lies in the diet of crested pitohuis, which feed on toxic beetles found in New Guinea. When the birds consume these beetles, the neurotoxin accumulates in their tissues. It is known that the substance is not toxic to the birds themselves; however, it poses a danger to predatory reptiles and can prevent them from eating the birds' eggs.

This concerns the beetles Choresine pulchra, also known as "nanisani" toxic beetles. Studies have shown that this beetle species is potentially a direct source of batrachotoxins for the birds of New Guinea. Notably, poison dart frogs acquire their toxicity in a similar manner.