Southern Cassowary
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:22Kartika" title="User:22Kartika">22Kartika</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
NameSouthern Cassowary
Common NameSouthern Cassowary
Scientific NameCasuarius casuarius
FamilyCasuariidae
Wingspan (cm)20
Length (cm)150
Weight (g)46000
Plumage DetailsThe body is covered in coarse, glossy black, hair-like feathers. The head and upper neck are bright blue, fading to lighter blue on the face, with a prominent black bony casque. The lower neck and throat are vibrant red, featuring two prominent red wattles.
Vocalization / CallKnown for deep, booming calls that can travel long distances through the forest, as well as hisses, rumbles, and growls, especially when agitated.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatstropical rainforest, monsoon forest, swamp forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to the tropical rainforests of northeastern Australia (Queensland), New Guinea, and nearby islands.
Identifying Featureslarge bony casque, bright blue and red head and neck, two red wattles, glossy black plumage, large size, powerful legs with dagger-like claw
Description
The Southern Cassowary is a large, flightless bird known for its striking appearance, including a prominent bony casque on its head and vibrant blue and red coloration on its neck and face. It is a shy, solitary inhabitant of tropical rainforests, primarily feeding on fallen fruit. This powerful bird is considered one of the most dangerous in the world due to its strong legs and dagger-like claws.
