In the rainforests of New Guinea lives a bird unlike any other - the Hooded Pitohui, known as the world's only toxic bird.

Scientists once believed birds relied only on flight, talons and socialization for survival. But this one proves otherwise: ...

Flying through the jungles of Papau New Guinea, two brightly colored bird species carried a secret. More accurate, the birds carried a poison — a toxin emanating from their feathers and seeping from ...

In the lush forests of New Guinea lies a startling revelation: two species of birds whose feathers contain a lethal poison that can kill humans with just a touch. Though some birds' toxic nature has ...

In the summer of 1989, Jack Dumbacher was a fresh-faced ornithologist-in-training on his maiden expedition to the lush rainforests of Papua New Guinea. One sticky afternoon, he noticed an unusual bird ...

When you think of poisonous animals, you don't necessarily think of birds first. Snakes, perhaps. Frogs? Maybe. Heck, even ...

An expedition into the jungle of New Guinea has resulted in the discovery of two new species of poisonous birds. Genetic changes in these bird species have allowed them to carry a powerful neurotoxin.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about biodiversity and the hidden quirks of the natural world. Poison is a well-known defense mechanism in the animal ...

One of the newly-discovered poisonous bird species, the rufous-naped bellbird or Aleadryas rufinucha. Photo from the University of Copenhagen Flying through the jungles of Papau New Guinea, two ...