Casuarius casuarius
Vulnerable
Distinguished by its brilliant blue and red neck, the Southern Cassowary is an imposing figure in the rainforests of Australia and New Guinea. As the world's third largest bird, this magnificent creature strides confidently through the undergrowth, its glossy black plumage and extraordinary helmet like casque making it a truly unforgettable sight amongst the lush greenery of its tropical home.
Black
Black
Brown
Blue, Red
Blue, Red
Brown
Black
Black
Brown
Short
Grey
Grey
Grey
Grey
Grey
Grey
Bright blue and red neck and head, two red wattles
Brighter coloration than males, larger
Lacks bright neck and head coloration
Short and black
Short and black
Short and brown
130cm to 180cm
Length
150cm to 200cm
Wingspan
29kg to 58kg
Weight
Click on an image below to see the full-size version
Female Southern Cassowary with chick
Southern Cassowary walking on beach
Southern Cassowary in natural habitat
Low frequency booming and hissing sounds
Series of booms, hisses, and other sounds, often in a pattern
Sharp, short shrieks signaling distress or alert
Primarily active during the day, foraging for food in the morning and evening
Mostly solitary, occasionally forms pairs during breeding season
Defends feeding and nesting territories, especially during mating season
Non-migrant
Occasionally interacts with other bird species, particularly in feeding areas
Fruit
Forages on the ground for fallen fruit
Throughout the day, peaking at dawn and dusk
Picks up fruit with beak
Eats small animals when fruit is scarce
None known
Ground, often in dense vegetation
Shallow depression in the ground, lined with leaves
Mid-year, varies with location
One
Large, green-blue
Approximately 9cm x 14cm
3-5 eggs
Around 50 days
Approximately 9 months
Male incubates eggs and cares for chicks
Australia, New Guinea, Aru Islands
Rainforests, swamps, and palm scrub
Sea level to 3,300m
Non-migrant
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
15
50
In the wild, 22 year(s)
3-4 year(s)
3-4 year(s)
Polygynous, males mate with multiple females
Vulnerable (IUCN Red List)
Habitat loss, vehicle strikes, dog attacks
Protected in Australia, conservation programs in place
Population decreasing due to habitat loss and other threats
Other names:
Double-wattled cassowary, Two-wattled cassowary
Family:
CasuariidaePopulation size:
20,000
Population trend:
Decreasing
Conservation status:
Vulnerable
IUCN Red List
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