Dwarf Cassowary
NameDwarf Cassowary
Common NameDwarf Cassowary
Scientific NameCasuarius bennetti
FamilyCasuariidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)105
Weight (g)21800
Plumage DetailsThe body is covered in coarse, glossy black feathers. The head and neck are largely featherless, displaying brilliant blue skin, often with patches of red or purple on the sides of the head and throat. A prominent, triangular, black casque sits atop its head.
Vocalization / CallProduces low-frequency booming calls, hisses, and growls, which can travel long distances through dense forest vegetation.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeNative to the tropical rainforests of New Guinea, New Britain, and Yapen Island.
Identifying Featurestriangular casque, bright blue neck and head skin, glossy black plumage, flightless, large size
Description
The Dwarf Cassowary is a large, flightless bird characterized by its glossy black plumage, vibrant blue and sometimes red skin on its head and neck, and a distinctive triangular casque. It is a shy and solitary inhabitant of dense rainforests, playing a crucial role in seed dispersal.
