Researchers have identified two bird species in New Guinea whose feathers harbor a potent toxin. This surprising discovery was highlighted by the University of Copenhagen’s press office, underscoring an unusual case of venom storage within plumage.
During field observations, scientists recorded two newly observed venomous birds that harbor a neurotoxin in their feathers. The toxin is described as a neurotoxin powerful enough to deter predators and rivals, with the capacity to be stored within the feather structure itself. The finding expands knowledge of toxin biology in birds and shows how venom can be incorporated into non-reptilian taxa.
The birds involved are the royal whistler (Pachycephala schlegelii) and the red-headed whistler (Aleadryas rufinucha). Researchers explain that their feathers contain batracotoxin, a highly potent poison also known from certain amphibians. In frogs, batracotoxin is well documented for its vascular and muscular effects, but in these birds, the toxin appears in a form that can be deployed through feather contact and possibly minor skin exposure.
According to the study, batracotoxin affects nerve and muscle function by altering sodium channel activity in skeletal muscles, a mechanism that can lead to severe seizures or cardiac complications if exposure is substantial. In the avian context, the toxin is stored in feather follicles and likely released when feathers are manipulated by a predator or a researcher, providing a defensive barrier for the bird without the animal producing the toxin itself.
Despite the presence of this toxin, the concentration found in the birds is relatively low, yet sufficient to serve defensive purposes. During collection and handling, researchers noted physiological responses such as nasal discharge and mild irritation, underscoring potential exposure risks during examination. The observation also raises considerations about how researchers handle venomous birds and how feather-based toxins might influence field safety protocols.
Similar to poison dart frogs, these birds do not synthesize the toxin internally. Instead, they acquire batracotoxin by consuming arthropods and insects that carry the toxin, followed by metabolic processes that allow sequestration in feathers. The genetic basis for toxin resistance in birds appears different from that in frogs, suggesting independent evolutionary pathways that enabled this trait to emerge in distinct lineages. These divergent genetic routes illuminate convergent strategies in toxin management across distant species.
Researchers emphasized the unexpected nature of the discovery, noting that no new venomous bird species had been reported for more than twenty years. The finding contributes to the broader understanding of vertebrate venom systems and highlights the diversity of defensive strategies in avian species. The team continues to investigate the ecological roles of feather-based toxins and the potential implications for predator-prey dynamics in New Guinea’s unique ecosystems.