Bird-Brain is one of a number of "Ani-Mates", creatures created by an insane geneticist named the
Ani-Mator, combining the characteristics of humans and animals. The Ani-Mator subjects his creations to a number of cruel and deadly experiments before Bird-Brain escapes the Ani-Mator's island and befriends the
New Mutants. Bird-Brain's simplistic language leaves him unable to communicate any of the New Mutants except for
Cypher, who possesses the
mutant ability to understand all languages. Bird-Brain develops close relationships with Cypher (who is fascinated by Bird-Brain's language) and
Wolfsbane, who he views as a kindred spirit. Feeling he had abandoned the other mutated creatures on the island, Bird-Brain returns with the New Mutants to free them. The Ani-Mator, attempting to shoot Wolfsbane, instead kills Cypher.
Magik exiles the Ani-Mator to
Limbo in retaliation, where he is eaten by demons. Some time later, the New Mutants return to Bird-Brain's island and learn that he and the Ani-Mates have been infected with a virus created by the Ani-Mator prior to his death in a bid to resurrect himself. Bird-Brain does not recognize the New Mutants and attacks them before being stopped by
Warlock. The New Mutants destroy the virus, restoring Bird-Brain to normal. ==References==