Southern Cassowary
Image: Philip Griffin (cc-by-nc)
NameSouthern Cassowary
Common NameSouthern Cassowary
Scientific NameCasuarius casuarius
FamilyCasuariidae
Wingspan (cm)20
Length (cm)150
Weight (g)45000
Plumage DetailsThe body is covered in coarse, stiff, black feathers. The head and neck are largely featherless, displaying vibrant blue, purple, and red skin, with two prominent red wattles hanging from the throat. A large, bony, helmet-like casque sits atop the head.
Vocalization / CallSouthern Cassowaries produce deep booming calls, which are very low frequency and can travel long distances through dense forest. They also make hisses and rumbles.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatstropical rainforest, monsoon forest, savanna woodland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to northeastern Australia, New Guinea, and surrounding islands.
Identifying Featureslarge flightless bird, bony casque on head, vibrant blue and red neck and wattles, coarse black plumage, dagger-like claw on inner toe
Description
The Southern Cassowary is a large, flightless bird known for its striking appearance, featuring a prominent bony casque on its head and vibrant blue and red skin on its neck and wattles. Its body is covered in coarse, black feathers, and it is a shy, solitary inhabitant of tropical rainforests.
