Pitohui is the name of a species of songbird found in Papau New Guinea. Along with its bright reddish/orange coloring and song, it has the distinction of being the only poisonous bird on earth. Even casual contact with its feathers will produce a reaction in humans from toxins carried in the animal’s feathers and skin. This juxtaposition of both attractive and deadly qualities contained in an exotic culture was the primary inspiration for this work.
