Southern Cassowary
NameSouthern Cassowary
Common NameSouthern Cassowary
Scientific NameCasuarius casuarius
FamilyCasuariidae
Wingspan (cm)0
Length (cm)150
Weight (g)45000
Plumage DetailsThe body is covered in coarse, stiff, black feathers that resemble hair. The head and neck are brightly colored, typically with a vibrant blue face and neck, purple patches, and red wattles hanging from the throat. A large, bony casque, brown in color, sits atop its head. Its wings are vestigial, consisting of a few long, stiff quills.
Vocalization / CallCassowaries produce very low-frequency booming calls, often below the range of human hearing, which can travel long distances through dense forest. They also make hisses, rumbles, and growls, especially when agitated.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatstropical rainforest, monsoon forest, gallery forest, swamp forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in northeastern Queensland, Australia, and throughout New Guinea and some surrounding islands.
Identifying Featureslarge size, flightless, prominent bony casque on head, bright blue and purple head and neck, red wattles on throat, black, hair-like plumage, powerful legs with dagger-like claw on inner toe
Description
The Southern Cassowary is a large, flightless bird native to the tropical rainforests of northeastern Australia and New Guinea. Known for its striking colorful head and neck, and a prominent casque on its head, it is a shy but powerful creature vital for seed dispersal in its ecosystem.
