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What is a Cassowary?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

The cassowary is the third largest bird in the world, and resides on the mainland of Australia and in New Guinea. Two subspecies live in New Guinea, the Northern Cassowary and the Dwarf Cassowary. The third species, the Double-Wattled or Southern Cassowary, lives in both Northern Australia and New Guinea. Of these species, the Southern and Northern are both considered threatened, and the Australian government has devoted much time and effort to protecting their habitats. There are very few captive cassowaries in Australia, only about 40 in total.

The cassowary has a striking appearance. The body feathers are a deep black, and the neck is usually bright blue. The bird has a crowned bony head called a casque, which is useful for clearing underbrush as it strides through low branches. Their appearance is comparable to the dinosaurs from which they may have descended. Particularly, their sharp, three toed claws resemble oviraptors and velociraptors.

The cassowary is the third largest bird in the world, and resides on the mainland of Australia.
The cassowary is the third largest bird in the world, and resides on the mainland of Australia.

Cassowaries are quite tall, the largest standing 6 feet (1.82 m), and can weigh up to 130 pounds (approx 59 kg). The birds are also fast runners and have been clocked at over 30 mph (48.27 kpm) in short distances. They can also jump 5 feet (1.52m) in the air. The dwarf variety is about half the size of the Southern and Northern types, and is less aggressive.

These birds are solitary, which is just as well for humans. There has been some recent footage on a cassowary attack of several humans that resulted in the death of a zookeeper. In general, a cassowary will usually attack if provoked, but since they are so unpredictable and potentially lethal, there are now wildlife areas that forbid human entry. Most of the recorded attacks, however, are provoked attacks on dogs.

With further habitat encroachment, it appears that the cassowary may also be losing its fear of humans. There has been an upsurge in the number of cassowary/human interactions. More and more cassowaries seem to be wandering into inhabited areas, creating potential trouble.

When left fully alone in the wild, the cassowary can live for upwards of 50 years. The unmolested areas of Northern Australia and New Guinea provide an excellent dietary range for the omnivorous birds. They will eat fruits, insects, lizards, snakes and small rodents, and are considered excellent hunters.

Unlike the emu, which can be very docile, no one is anxious to cultivate or breed cassowaries, though their potential danger has launched a tourist industry to view the birds from protected settings. The temperament of the cassowary has discouraged entrepreneurs from attempting to market their very large, green-blue eggs, which are 3-5 inches (7-12 cm) in length.

As with many birds, the cassowary female does not raise her young. Instead, the male bird incubates the eggs for roughly two months and takes care of the babies for about nine months, thereafter. The cassowary is considered fully grown at approximately three years old, and mating begins upon reaching maturity. The cassowary is also monogamous, so a pair may enjoy a 40-year “marriage,” when humans do not interfere.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cassowary?

A cassowary is a large, flightless bird native to the tropical forests of New Guinea, nearby islands, and northeastern Australia. Known for their striking appearance, cassowaries have vivid blue skin on their necks and heads, a helmet-like casque on their heads, and long, powerful legs designed for running and kicking.

How many species of cassowary are there?

There are three species of cassowary: the Southern Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius), the Dwarf Cassowary (Casuarius bennetti), and the Northern Cassowary (Casuarius unappendiculatus). The Southern Cassowary, also known as the double-wattled cassowary, is the largest and most well-known of the three.

What do cassowaries eat?

Cassowaries are omnivores with a diet that primarily consists of fruit. They play a crucial role in forest ecology as seed dispersers. Their diet also includes small vertebrates, invertebrates, fungi, and even carrion. Their ability to consume and process a variety of foods helps maintain the diversity of the tropical rainforests they inhabit.

Are cassowaries dangerous to humans?

Cassowaries are often considered the world's most dangerous bird. They can be aggressive, especially when provoked or if they feel threatened. With their powerful legs and sharp claws, they are capable of inflicting serious injuries. However, incidents are rare and usually occur when humans encroach on their territory or attempt to feed them.

How do cassowaries reproduce?

Cassowaries are solitary birds that come together only to mate. The female lays 3 to 5 large, pale green eggs and then leaves the nest, with the male taking on the sole responsibility of incubation and chick-rearing. The male fiercely guards the nest for about 50 days until the eggs hatch, and continues to care for the chicks for up to 9 months.

What conservation status do cassowaries have?

The conservation status of cassowaries varies by species. The Southern Cassowary is listed as 'Vulnerable' by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, primarily due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting their habitat and reducing threats from feral animals and vehicle strikes.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent AllThingsNature contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent AllThingsNature contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon119179

humans and domestic dogs are major predators for the cassowary.

anon1420

what are cassowary predators?

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    • The cassowary is the third largest bird in the world, and resides on the mainland of Australia.
      By: Tupungato
      The cassowary is the third largest bird in the world, and resides on the mainland of Australia.