Changes

Ifritas are small, chunky birds, about 6.5 inches long.  Males are brownish in color, and bear a light colored streak behind the eyes.  A ring of iridescent blue feathers is on top of the head, hence the name.  Females are similar, but more yellowish overall.

Ifritas are small, chunky birds, about 6.5 inches long.  Males are brownish in color, and bear a light colored streak behind the eyes.  A ring of iridescent blue feathers is on top of the head, hence the name.  Females are similar, but more yellowish overall.

Ifritas secrete a toxin through their skin into their feathers, the touch leaving the handler feeling numb.  A batrachotoxin, it is similar to secretions by South American [[poison dart frog]]s, and has led researchers to believe that the birds diet of certain insects - among them beetles of the genus ''Choresine''<ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15520388</ref> - may provide them with the toxin.<ref>http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/11/1109_041109_toxic_beetles_2.html</ref><ref>http://www.calacademy.org/science_now/academy_research/powerful_poison.php</ref>

Ifritas secrete a toxin through their skin into their feathers, the touch leaving the handler feeling numb.  A batrachotoxin, it is similar to secretions by South American [[poison dart frog]]s, and has led researchers to believe that the birds diet of certain insects - among them beetles of the genus ''Choresine''<ref>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15520388</ref> - may provide them with the toxin.<ref>http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/11/1109_041109_toxic_beetles_2.html</ref><ref>http://www.calacademy.org/science_now/academy_research/powerful_poison.php</ref>

==Threats==

==Threats==