The Raja Ampat pitohui, or Waigeo pitohui, is a species of pitohui in the family Oriolidae found on the western Papuan Islands of New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is also one of the few known poisonous birds.
Region
West Papuan Islands, Indonesia
Typical Environment
Occurs on islands of the Raja Ampat group, including Waigeo and nearby forested islets. It favors subtropical and tropical moist lowland rainforest and adjacent secondary growth. Birds forage in the midstory and lower canopy, often along forest edges and along streams. It generally avoids heavily altered open habitats but may persist in selectively logged forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Raja Ampat pitohui, also called the Waigeo pitohui, is one of the few known poisonous birds, with batrachotoxins in its skin and feathers. The toxins are thought to be acquired from parts of its diet, such as certain beetles, and can cause numbness or irritation on contact. It inhabits humid lowland rainforest on the western Papuan Islands off New Guinea. Handling wild individuals is discouraged without proper precautions.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trees
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, sometimes joining mixed-species foraging flocks. Nests are placed in dense vegetation in the understory or midstory, with both sexes likely contributing to parental care. Territorial behavior is most evident during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of mellow, fluty whistles interspersed with chattering notes. Calls include sharp contact chips and scolds given when disturbed.
Plumage
unknown
Diet
Takes a mixed diet of insects and other arthropods along with small fruits and berries. Gleans prey from foliage and branches and occasionally snatches flying insects with short sallies. The consumption of certain beetles is believed to be the source of its batrachotoxins. It may forage methodically through the midstory, probing clusters of leaves and vine tangles.
Preferred Environment
Feeds primarily within the forest interior and along semi-open edges, especially where fruiting shrubs and small trees are present. Often uses mid-canopy strata but will drop lower to exploit dense understory growth and streamside vegetation.
