Dwarf Cassowary Bird Facts (Casuarius bennetti)

The Dwarf Cassowary is the smallest of the three cassowary species, yet it is still an imposing bird. It stands about 1-1.5 meters tall, with a predominantly black plumage and a distinctive blue neck and face. The head features a prominent casque (horn-like structure) and vibrant wattles.

Both sexes look similar, with females slightly larger. Juveniles have brown plumage, lacking the bright colours and developed casque of adults. The bird's powerful legs and dagger-like claws are notable features.

The Dwarf Cassowary is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

The Dwarf Cassowary is not typically found in Garden habitats.

The Dwarf Cassowary is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

The Dwarf Cassowary is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

The Dwarf Cassowary is not typically found in Urban habitats.

The Dwarf Cassowary is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

The Dwarf Cassowary is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

The Dwarf Cassowary is not typically found in Desert habitats.

The Dwarf Cassowary is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

The Dwarf Cassowary can be found in Rainforest habitats.

The Dwarf Cassowary is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

The Dwarf Cassowary is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

The Dwarf Cassowary is endemic to the island of New Guinea. It inhabits montane and hill forests and is found in both Papua New Guinea and Indonesian Papua. It prefers elevations between 1,000 and 3,600 meters.

These birds are non-migratory and maintain year-round territories within their forest habitats. They are most commonly found in areas with dense understory vegetation and abundant fruit-bearing trees.

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Dwarf Cassowary. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Indonesia Papua New Guinea

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:

Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

0-20: Very Low
21-40: Low
41-60: Average
61-80: High
81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Dwarf Cassowary exhibits remarkable agility for its size. It can move quietly through dense undergrowth, run at high speeds, and jump up to 1.5 metres high from a standing position, demonstrating exceptional manoeuvrability in its rainforest habitat.

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

With powerful legs and dagger-like claws, the Dwarf Cassowary possesses formidable strength. Its ability to kick and break open tough-skinned fruits and defend itself against potential threats indicates significant physical power for a bird of its size.

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

While specialised for its montane rainforest habitat, the Dwarf Cassowary shows some adaptability. It can thrive in elevations from 1,000 to 3,600 metres and maintains a varied diet of fruits, small vertebrates, and invertebrates. However, its specific habitat requirements may limit broader adaptability.

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Though generally shy, Dwarf Cassowaries can be highly aggressive when threatened. Their powerful legs and claws serve as formidable weapons, and their reputation for potential aggression towards humans suggests a strong defensive nature when provoked.

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

As a non-migratory species adapted to moving through dense forest, the Dwarf Cassowary likely possesses good endurance for sustained activity in its habitat. However, as a primarily terrestrial bird not known for long-distance movements, its overall endurance may be moderate compared to migratory species.

Dwarf Cassowaries are primarily frugivorous, feeding on fallen fruits from rainforest trees. They play a crucial role in seed dispersal. Their diet also includes small vertebrates, invertebrates, and fungi. They use their strong feet to kick and break open tough-skinned fruits.

Dwarf Cassowaries are solitary and elusive, moving quietly through dense rainforest undergrowth. They are primarily terrestrial, capable of running at high speeds and jumping considerable heights when necessary.

These birds are generally shy but can be aggressive if threatened, using their powerful legs and claws for defence.

Dwarf Cassowaries produce deep, booming calls that can travel long distances through the forest. These low-frequency vocalisations, often described as a rumbling 'boom-boom-boom', are used for communication and territorial displays. They may also emit hisses or grunts when alarmed.

Breeding occurs year-round, with a peak during the drier months. Males are responsible for nest building and constructing a simple ground nest of leaves and plant material.

Females typically lay 3-5 eggs, which are bright green. The eggs are large, weighing up to 650 grams each.

Male cassowaries take on all incubation and chick-rearing duties. The incubation period lasts about 50 days, with chicks remaining with the male for up to 9 months after hatching.

The Dwarf Cassowary typically lives for 20 to 40 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Due to habitat loss and hunting pressures, the dwarf cassowary is classified as near threatened. Conservation efforts focus on protecting rainforest habitats and regulating hunting practices. Climate change poses an additional threat, potentially affecting mountain forest ecosystems.

Look for them in the dense, mountainous rainforests of New Guinea
Listen for low-frequency booming calls, especially during breeding season
Search for distinctive three-toed footprints on forest floors
Be cautious and maintain a safe distance if encountered

Adult Dwarf Cassowaries have few natural predators due to their size and defensive capabilities. However, eggs and chicks may fall prey to large pythons, monitor lizards, and feral pigs.

The Dwarf Cassowary's casque is made of spongy material and may help amplify their vocalisations.
They can jump up to 1.5 meters high from a standing position.
Cassowaries are considered living dinosaurs, with feet resembling those of theropod dinosaurs.

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Northern Cassowary

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