The Pitohui are six species of Passerine, endemic to New Guinea. Several of the species - the Variable and this Hooded - are noted for being toxic. This is probably acquired from their omnivorous diet, which includes
Choresine beetles, the same beetles that give their toxicity to the Poison Dart Frog. This acts to keep the bird free of parasites and may also, somewhat, deter predatation.
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