About the Blue-capped Ifrita
The blue-capped ifrit is a species of small passerine bird in the monotypic family Ifritidae, native to the montane rainforests of New Guinea. These birds are insectivorous and are notable for their distinctive blue crown and presence of batrachotoxin, a potent neurotoxin, in their feathers and skin. This chemical defense is believed to come from their diet, particularly Choresine beetles. Blue-capped ifrits are non-aggressive and typically found in small groups within high altitude forest habitats. Although they are currently listed as of least concern by the IUCN, their population is slowly declining due to habitat disturbance and limited conservation measures.
Source: Wikipedia
Taxonomy & Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Ifrita (Ifritidae) |
| Species | Ifrita kowaldi |
| Species Codes | bucifr1, BCIF |
Frequently Asked Questions
What family does the Blue-capped Ifrita belong to?
The Blue-capped Ifrita (Ifrita kowaldi) belongs to the Ifrita family (Ifritidae), in the order Passeriformes.
How can I identify the Blue-capped Ifrita?
The blue-capped ifrit is a species of small passerine bird in the monotypic family Ifritidae, native to the montane rainforests of New Guinea. These birds are insectivorous and are notable for their distinctive blue crown and presence of batrachotoxin, a potent neurotoxin, in their feathers and skin...
Where can I report a Blue-capped Ifrita sighting?
You can log sightings of Blue-capped Ifrita on eBird (ebird.org) using species code bucifr1, or on iNaturalist.