Pitohui kirhocephalus brunneicaudus

The northern variable pitohui (Pitohui kirhocephalus) is a species of pitohui in the family Oriolidae. It is found on New Guinea and a number of neighbouring islands. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is also one of the few known poisonous birds.

Taxonomy and systematics: The northern variable pitohui was renamed from the variable pitohui in 2013 following the split of the Raja Ampat pitohui and the southern variable pitohui.

Subspecies: Eleven subspecies are recognized:

• Pitohui kirhocephalus kirhocephalus - (Lesson & Garnot, 1827): Found on eastern Vogelkop (north-western New Guinea)
• Pitohui kirhocephalus dohertyi - Rothschild & Hartert, 1903: Originally described as a separate species. Found in Wandammen area (north-western New Guinea)
• Pitohui kirhocephalus rubiensis - (Meyer, AB, 1884): Originally described as a separate species. Found from head of Cenderawasih Bay to Triton Bay (western New Guinea)
• Pitohui kirhocephalus brunneivertex - Rothschild, 1931: Found on eastern coast of Cenderawasih Bay (north-western New Guinea)
• Pitohui kirhocephalus decipiens - (Salvadori, 1878): Originally described as a separate species. Found on the Onin Peninsula (south-western New Guinea)
• Pitohui kirhocephalus adiensis - Mees, 1964: Found on Adi Island (off south-western New Guinea)
• Pitohui kirhocephalus carolinae - Junge, 1952: Found in the Etna Bay region of south-western New Guinea
• Pitohui kirhocephalus jobiensis - (Meyer, AB, 1874): Originally described as a separate species. Found on Kurudu Island and Yapen (off north-western New Guinea)
• Pitohui kirhocephalus meyeri - Rothschild & Hartert, 1903: Originally described as a separate species. Found on the Mamberamo coast (northern New Guinea)
• Pitohui kirhocephalus senex - Stresemann, 1922: Found in the upper Sepik region (northern New Guinea)
• Pitohui kirhocephalus brunneicaudus - (Meyer, AB, 1891): Originally described as a separate species. Found in the lower Sepik region to Astrolabe Bay (northern New Guinea)