Beware! 9 Poisonous Birds You Never Knew Existed Hooded Pitohui Found in New Guinea, this bird carries batrachotoxins in its skin and feathersone of the most potent neurotoxins known. Blue-capped Ifrit Also from New Guinea, this beautiful bird contains the same toxins as poison dart frogs! Red Warbler Though rare, certain warblers can carry toxins from their insect-heavy diet. European Quail Safe in some seasons but potentially toxic in others a condition known as coturnismespecially dangerous after migration. Brush Bronzewing Pigeon Some evidence suggests they may carry toxins from specific plants they feed on. Northern Variable Pitohui Like its cousin, it also secretes batrachotoxins, making it one of natures most toxic birds. 李 Eurasian Hoopoe Produces a foul-smelling, antibacterial secretion that can deter predators and may cause skin irritation. 癩 Rufous Shrikethrush Believed to be mildly toxic due to its insect diet. Its danger lies more in handling than ingestion. Spur-winged Goose Feeds on blister beetles, accumulating cantharidina lethal toxin that can be fatal if consumed. Why Are These Birds Poisonous? Many of these birds dont produce toxins themselvesthey acquire them from their diet, especially toxic insects or plants. Its natures way of saying: Do not eat me!