Casuarius bennetti
Near Threatened
Known for its vibrant blue neck and powerful stature, the Dwarf Cassowary is a remarkable dweller of New Guinea's mountain forests and swamps. As the smallest member of the cassowary family, this intriguing bird roams the forest floor, its distinctive black plumage and helmet like casque making it a unique spectacle amidst New Guinea's abundant wildlife.
Males and females have similar plumage
Blue
Black
Black
Short
Grey
Blue
Blue skin on neck and head, black plumage, helmet-like casque on head
Non-existent
100cm to 110cm
Length
17kg to 20kg
Weight
Click on an image below to see the full-size version
Dwarf Cassowary chick
Portrait of a Dwarf Cassowary
Low booming sounds
Deep, resonating sounds that can be heard over long distances
Loud hisses
Forages for food throughout the day
Solitary, except during mating season
Defends its territory aggressively
Non-migratory
Interactions are rare and often aggressive
Fruit, Invertebrates, Small Animals
Forages on the forest floor
Daytime
Pecks and grabs with beak
Diet varies based on availability of food
None known
Ground nests in the forest
Shallow depression in the ground lined with leaves
Varies, but often during the rainy season
One
Greenish-blue, shiny
Approximately 9cm x 14cm
3-5 eggs
Around 50 days
Approximately 9 months
Male incubates eggs and cares for chicks
New Guinea and surrounding islands
Mountain forests and swamps
Up to 3300 meters
Non-migratory
Tropical rainforest
Tropical
Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.
Resident or Present
12
26
Not well documented, but thought to be between 12-19 year(s)
3 year(s)
4 year(s)
Polygynous, males mate with multiple females
Casque grows larger with age
Near Threatened (IUCN Red List)
Habitat loss due to deforestation, hunting
Protected in some areas, conservation programs to protect habitat
Population is decreasing due to habitat loss and hunting
Other names:
Bennett's Cassowary, Mountain Cassowary
Family:
CasuariidaePopulation size:
10,000
Population trend:
Decreasing
Conservation status:
Near Threatened
IUCN Red List
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