Hooded Pitohui

The Hooded Pitohui (Pitohui dichrous) is a medium-sized songbird, notable for its striking dichromatic plumage of black and reddish-brown. This bird is one of the few known poisonous avians, harboring potent batrachotoxin compounds within its skin, feathers, and tissues. The toxins are believed to be sourced from its diet and serve as a defense against predators and parasites. The Hooded Pitohui exhibits a remarkable example of convergent evolution and Müllerian mimicry with other toxic pitohuis, and Batesian mimicry by non-poisonous species.

Identification Tips

Adult Hooded Pitohuis are characterized by their black upperwing, head, chin, throat, and upper breast, with the remainder of their plumage being a rich reddish-brown. Both sexes are similar in appearance, with a black bill and legs, and irises that may be reddish-brown, dark brown, or black. Juveniles resemble adults but have brown-tinged rectrices and remiges.

Habitat

This species thrives in the forests of New Guinea, from sea level to elevations of 2,000 meters, with a preference for hills and lower mountain regions. It can also be found in forest edges, secondary growth, and occasionally mangrove forests.

Distribution

Endemic to New Guinea, the Hooded Pitohui is widespread across the main island and the adjacent Yapen Island. It is commonly found at higher elevations than the lowland variable pitohui and lower than the unrelated black pitohui.

Behaviour

The Hooded Pitohui is a sociable bird, living in family groups and often leading mixed-species foraging flocks. It exhibits cooperative breeding behaviors, with group members assisting in nest defense and chick feeding.

Song & Calls

A variety of whistles comprise the vocal repertoire of the Hooded Pitohui. Its song consists of a series of three to seven variable whistles, often starting with two similar notes followed by an upslur. Other calls include "tuk tuk w’oh tuw’uow," "woiy, woiy," and "tiuw tow."

Breeding

Breeding data is scarce, but nests with eggs have been found from October to February. The nest is a cup made of vine tendrils, and the clutch typically consists of one to two eggs. The species is thought to be a cooperative breeder.

Diet and Feeding

The Hooded Pitohui's diet is predominantly fruit-based, especially figs, along with grass seeds, insects, and other invertebrates. It forages at all forest levels and is known to participate in mixed-species foraging flocks.

Conservation status

The Hooded Pitohui is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with stable population numbers throughout its range. It is common and widespread in New Guinea, showing resilience to various environmental changes.