1. They Are Not Emus
Although a cassowary is not an emu, they are related in the taxonomy, which is the classification of living and extinct species, according to Schwartz. He explains that both species belong to the same scientific order, Casuariiformes, but they are in different scientific families.
2. They Are Quite Hefty
The cassowary is the heaviest bird in Australia, and the Southern cassowary is the second-heaviest in the world, after the ostrich, says Schwartz. Despite their weight, they have very small wings that extend less than a foot from their body. Female Southern cassowaries can weigh up to 170 pounds, while males can weigh up to 125 pounds. Northern females can weigh up to 128 pounds, and males up to 80 pounds. Dwarf females can weigh up to 55 pounds, and males up to 40 pounds, making them some of the largest flightless bird species in the world.
3. Their Feathers Are Not Suitable for Flight
The cassowary has dense, black feathers that are long and thin compared to the wide and shapely feathers of a flighted bird, according to Schwartz. The feathers are not suitable for flight, but they work well for a ground-dwelling bird living in a forest ecosystem. The longer, thinner feathers help direct water away from the body and protect the bird’s body from low branches, sharp twigs, and thorns.
Close-up of a Southern Cassowary in Daintree, North Queensland, Australia.
Artie Photography (Artie Ng)/Getty Images
4. That Thing Atop Their Head Is Called a Casque
The cassowary’s casque, which is made of keratin, the same protein as in their feathers, nails, and beak, has a thick and hard outer covering, but the inside is very porous, according to Schwartz. The purpose of the casque is not entirely understood, but various theories suggest that it can amplify vocalizations, serve as head protection as the bird pushes headfirst through the dense forest, or be another way for the birds to display age and vitality.
5. Their Wattles Serve a Purpose
Only the Northern and Southern cassowaries have wattles among the three species, says Schwartz. Like the casque, there are several theories about the purpose of the brightly colored wattles, including that they can communicate the bird’s current demeanor, indicate an individual bird’s vitality to other cassowaries, or give other cues and communications that are only known by cassowaries at this time.
6. They Are Frugivores
The cassowary is a frugivore, which means it feeds on fruits, making it crucial to its surrounding ecosystem, according to Schwartz. As they eat fruit, they pass the seeds through their digestive tract and deposit them in their droppings, surrounded by natural fertilizer, helping to spread the diversity of plants in their region. They are a key-stone species as they play an important role in spreading fruit seeds far and wide. Their large size allows them to spread larger seeds than most birds, such as those of the rare Australian rainforest tree, Ryparosa. Their claws also help them dig deep in the leaf litter for fallen fruit that other species might miss.
7. Spotting a Cassowary in the Wild is Unlikely
If you go searching for a cassowary in the dense rainforest, chances are you won’t hear their bird calls as they’re just beyond human hearing range. According to Schwartz, they have excellent hearing and will hear you coming from far away, disappearing into the forest to avoid you. If you do happen to come across one, it’s best to give them plenty of space and not approach or feed them.
Cassowary Adult with Cassowary Chick
Martin Harvey / Getty Images
Female Lays Bright Green Cassowary Egg in Nesting Material
PansLaos / Getty Images
8. Male Cassowaries Care for their Young
In some species of animals, the male helps to incubate and care for the young chicks once the eggs are laid. The female only lays the eggs and does not participate in the upbringing, allowing her to have multiple clutches of eggs in one breeding season with different males, according to Schwartz.
9. Cassowaries Have a Wide Range of Vocalizations
One of the most impressive sounds a cassowary makes is a deep, low-frequency booming sound, which is the lowest known call of any bird and can be felt as vibrations in the chest, says Schwartz.
10. Cassowary Populations are Declining
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, all three species of cassowaries are either Vulnerable or Near Threatened due to habitat loss, road accidents, and human-introduced animal predators. The good news is that conservation efforts are increasing in the countries where cassowaries live. Rainforest Rescue reports that there are less than 1,000 cassowaries left in the wild, with the Northern cassowary being the most threatened. The organization works to protect and restore the cassowary’s habitat and create safe passage for rainforest creatures.
Now That’s Interesting
Cassowaries are direct descendants of dinosaurs, and they belong to one of the most ancient lineages of living birds. The casque on their head may serve a similar function to the helmet of the lambeosaurus, and similarities exist between their feet, respiratory system, and breeding behavior with some groups of dinosaurs.
Originally Published: May 14, 2020
FAQ
1. What is a cassowary?
A cassowary is a large flightless bird that is native to the tropical forests of Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands. It is known for its striking appearance, with a distinctive casque on its head and bright blue and red skin on its neck and head.
2. How dangerous is a cassowary?
The cassowary is considered to be the world’s most dangerous bird. It has a long, sharp claw on each foot that can be up to 4 inches (10 cm) long. If threatened or provoked, a cassowary can lash out with its powerful legs and inflict serious injuries, including deep cuts and broken bones.
3. Why are cassowaries so aggressive?
Cassowaries are generally shy and reclusive birds, but they can become aggressive if they feel threatened or cornered. This is due to their natural instinct to defend themselves and their territory. They have also been known to attack humans who get too close to their nests, especially during breeding season.
4. Can you keep a cassowary as a pet?
No, it is not recommended to keep a cassowary as a pet. They are wild animals and require specialized care and habitat that most people cannot provide. In addition, cassowaries are dangerous and unpredictable, even in captivity.
5. What is being done to protect cassowaries?
Cassowaries are classified as a vulnerable species, with populations declining due to habitat loss and hunting. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting their habitat, educating the public about their importance, and enforcing laws against poaching and hunting. Zoos and wildlife parks also play an important role in captive breeding and reintroduction programs.
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