Casuarius unappendiculatus
Vulnerable
Boasting a striking blue neck and brilliant red wattles, the Northern Cassowary is a remarkable resident of New Guinea's dense rainforests. As one of the world's largest bird species, this captivating creature navigates through the lush tropical vegetation, its glossy black plumage and solitary habits making it an intriguing figure within the region's diverse bird population.
Males and females have similar plumage
Black
Brown
Blue, Red
Black, White
Black
Brown
Long
Black
Grey
Grey
Grey
Bright blue neck, red wattles
Striped pattern
Short, non-distinctive
Short, non-distinctive
120cm to 150cm
Length
40cm to 50cm
Wingspan
17kg to 30kg
Weight
Click on an image below to see the full-size version
Northern Cassowary in a bird park
Close up of a Northern Cassowary
Northern Cassowary in a bird reserve
Portrait of a Northern Cassowary
Low booming sound
Low frequency, can travel long distances through dense forest
Hissing sound
Mostly solitary, forages for food during the day
Largely solitary, males and females meet only for mating
Highly territorial, especially during breeding season
Non-migratory
Occasional interactions with other bird species, but mostly solitary
Fruit, Insects, Fungi
Forages on ground for fallen fruit and small animals
Early morning and late afternoon
Pecking and swallowing
Diet varies with season and fruit availability
None known
Ground nest
Shallow depression lined with leaves
Between June and October
One
Bright green-blue
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
Tropical rainforest
Sea level to 3300m
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
18
20
18 to 20 year(s)
3-4 year(s)
5-6 year(s)
Solitary, males and females meet only for mating
None known
Vulnerable (IUCN Red List)
Habitat loss, hunting
Protected in some areas, but enforcement is weak
Population is decreasing due to habitat loss and hunting
Other names:
Single-wattled Cassowary, Gold-neck Cassowary
Family:
CasuariidaePopulation size:
2,500
Population trend:
Decreasing
Conservation status:
Vulnerable
IUCN Red List
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