DEADLY BEAKS

We frequently picture snakes, spiders, or specific kinds of frogs when we think about toxic animals. But there are also some surprisingly poisonous species in the bird kingdom.

Here are some poisonous birds that might surprise you

The blue-capped ifrit is a small insect-eating bird from family Ifritidae. Ifrit produces  batrachotoxin which is a poison used for defense against predators.

European quails migrate biannually and accumulate toxic coniine. This poison can cause muscle breakdown or kidney failure from consumption.

Hoopoes have distinctive feather crowns and host bacteria in uropygial glands, producing foul-smelling compounds which is toxic for humans. 

The red warbler a native to Mexico, contain toxins in its feathers. Its bright red plumage warns of danger, handling or consumption is risky. 

This New Guinea bird is unique, having poisonous feathers with a neurotoxin causing numbness and burning sensations to anyone who touches it.