The southern variable pitohui is a species of pitohui in the family Oriolidae. It is found on New Guinea and neighbouring islands. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is also one of the few known poisonous birds, it carries the toxic compound homobatrachotoxins in its feathers and skin.
Region
New Guinea and nearby islands
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout the lowland rainforests of southern New Guinea and on adjacent islands such as the Aru group. It favors primary and secondary tropical moist lowland forest, forest edges, and riverine corridors. The species often uses the mid-story and subcanopy, but will descend to lower strata to forage. It can persist in selectively logged forest and tall secondary growth where sufficient cover and fruiting trees remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The southern variable pitohui is one of the few known poisonous birds, containing homobatrachotoxins in its skin and feathers. The toxins are thought to be acquired from toxic beetles (genus Choresine) in its diet. Handling birds or feathers can cause numbness or irritation, so local people traditionally avoid contact. Its plumage is variable across subspecies, which historically led to taxonomic confusion.
Temperament
secretive but vocal
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, undulating flights between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the mid-story. Forms monogamous pairs during the breeding season and builds a small cup nest in dense foliage. Both sexes likely participate in parental care, as in related pitohuis.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of mellow, whistled phrases and liquid notes, delivered from concealed perches. Calls include harsh scolds and chattering contact notes when moving with mixed flocks.
Plumage
Variable but typically rich rufous to chestnut underparts with darker brown to blackish upperparts; some forms show a dusky or blackish hood and brighter rufous flanks. Feathers have a sleek, slightly glossy texture, especially on the head and mantle.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore that gleans insects, spiders, and other arthropods from foliage and branches. Also takes berries and small fruits, often at fruiting shrubs and vines. It is thought to obtain batrachotoxins by consuming certain toxic beetles (Choresine) and possibly other arthropods.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid-story and subcanopy of humid lowland forests, along edges, and in secondary growth with dense understory. Frequently visits fruiting trees and vines and occasionally descends to lower levels along forest trails and stream margins.
