Scientists have found that two species of birds common in Papua New Guinea " At high concentrations, it causes muscle cramps and near-instantaneous heart failure, according to Science Alert..

A dangerous " The neurotoxin acts on predators that may want to eat birds. It is stored in the feathers of these brightly colored creatures.. Scientists have found that these species, as well as birds that were already known to be poisonous, do not get sick as a result of the action of the toxin..

[see_also ids\u003d"

The first bird with batrachotoxin in its feathers was discovered 30 years ago. This is a bicolor thrush flycatcher. The levels of poison found in bird feathers can vary depending on where they live.. However, it is the most venomous bird species known.. It is assumed that the toxin is intended to repel predators or pests, and possibly both..

Locals avoid these birds, claiming that their meat burns in the mouth like chili peppers.. According to scientists, science has become aware of poisonous birds quite recently.. The presence of the toxin can be felt just by holding them..

Two new species live alongside flycatchers in some of the most isolated jungles in the world. Scientists have found the remains of beetles in their intestines, which also contain a toxin.

“We were very surprised to find that these birds are venomous as no new venomous bird species has been discovered in over two decades.. Especially because these two bird species are so common in this part of the world,” said Knud Jonsson from the Natural History Museum of Denmark..

Scientists note that the spread of poisonous species in the ecosystem is part of the evolutionary battle. Prey species such as beetles and frogs produce a toxin to defend against predators.. But over time, the birds that feed on them invent cunning ways to adapt to overcome the "

Birds acquire a mutation that makes them resistant to the effects of the toxin. This gives them an advantage over their counterparts, who cannot eat poisonous bugs.. Therefore, the latter have to look for other ways to protect themselves from predators..

Previously, scientists said that the Eurasian woodcock is the owner of the whitest feathers in the world.. They reflect the most light on record..