Cassowaries are often regarded as the world’s most dangerous birds, particularly in relation to humans, though ostriches and emus can also pose risks.
These shy, elusive birds are native to Northern Australia, New Guinea, and neighboring islands. There are three living cassowary species within the genus Casuarius:
Southern Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius): The largest of the cassowaries, identified by its bright blue head, two red wattles, and black feathers. They primarily inhabit lowland rainforests but can occasionally be found in eucalyptus forests or forested swamps.
Northern Cassowary (Casuarius unappendiculatus): Also known as the single-wattled cassowary, it resides in coastal swamps and lowland rainforests of northern New Guinea.
Dwarf Cassowary (Casuarius bennetti): Smaller in size compared to the other two species, usually weighing around 50 pounds. They prefer higher-altitude habitats and are often found in steep, mountainous terrain.
Cassowaries’ evolutionary lineage harks back to dinosaur ancestors. These formidable birds stand up to six feet tall and weigh as much as 160 pounds. Incapable of flight, their powerful legs enable them to reach impressive speeds, with recorded sprints of up to 31 miles per hour through the rainforest. They can also jump as high as 7 feet and employ their sharp, dagger-like claws, up to 4 inches long, for self-defense, including against potential threats like humans.
Their primary diet consists of fallen fruit from the rainforest floor, which they scrape up using their claws. Cassowaries are opportunistic feeders and may consume insects, snails, fungi, and even the occasional carrion. They also exhibit fishing behavior by creating a makeshift net with their feathers while sitting in streams.
In terms of reproduction, female cassowaries lay approximately three eggs in nests on the forest floor. Males take on the responsibility of incubating the eggs for around 50 days until they hatch. Cassowary eggs can be as heavy as ten average chicken eggs.
Cassowaries hold cultural significance for certain Aboriginal groups and are featured in traditional ceremonies, dances, and Dreamtime narratives. Some of these indigenous communities are actively engaged in cassowary conservation, blending traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific approaches.
