Southern Cassowary
Least ConcernCasuarius casuarius
Visual Identification
Southern Cassowary
Appearance
The Southern Cassowary is a striking, flightless bird with a tall, helmet-like casque atop its head. Its body is covered in glossy black feathers, with a vibrant blue neck, face, and two red wattles hanging from its throat. The bird stands up to 2 meters tall.
Females are typically larger than males, with a taller casque. Both sexes have powerful legs with dagger-like claws and small vestigial wings. Juveniles have brown plumage, gradually developing adult colouration as they mature.
Size
Length
127cm to 170cm
Wingspan
150cm to 200cm
Weight
29kg to 58.5kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black Blue
Secondary Colour
Red
Beak Colour
Grey
Leg Colour
Grey
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Southern Cassowaries are found in the tropical rainforests of northeastern Australia, particularly in Queensland's Wet Tropics region. They also inhabit parts of New Guinea and nearby islands. These birds prefer dense, humid forests with a diverse array of fruit-bearing trees.
While their range has contracted due to deforestation, they can occasionally be spotted in more open woodlands or even beaches adjacent to their rainforest habitats, especially when searching for food.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 1,400 meters
Climate zones
Tropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Southern Cassowaries are primarily frugivorous, consuming a wide variety of rainforest fruits. They play a crucial role in seed dispersal, swallowing fruits whole and passing the seeds intact.
Their diet is supplemented with small vertebrates, invertebrates, and fungi when fruit is scarce.
Behaviour
Southern Cassowaries are solitary and territorial, patrolling their rainforest domains with a purposeful stride. They're known for their powerful kicks, used for defense against predators or rivals.
These birds are excellent swimmers, capable of crossing rivers and even venturing into the sea for short distances.
Vocalisation
Southern Cassowaries are known for their deep, booming vocalisations that can be felt as much as heard. Their calls include low-frequency rumbles, grunts, and hisses.
During threat displays, they produce a series of thunderous booms that resonate through the rainforest, sounding almost prehistoric.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs during the Australian winter, typically from June to October. Males attract females with elaborate displays, including puffing up their feathers and producing low-frequency booming calls.
Females lay 3-5 large, pale green eggs in a simple nest on the forest floor, usually concealed by vegetation. The nest is a shallow depression lined with leaves and plant material.
Uniquely among large birds, male cassowaries perform all incubation and chick-rearing duties. They incubate the eggs for about 50 days and care for the chicks for up to 9 months, fiercely protecting them from predators.
Lifespan
The Southern Cassowary typically lives for 18 to 20 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 30 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
Although the Southern Cassowary is listed as Least Concern, it faces threats due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Road accidents and attacks by domestic dogs also pose significant threats.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting and connecting rainforest habitats, as well as educating local communities about coexistence with these important seed dispersers.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for cassowaries in dense rainforest undergrowth, especially near fruit-bearing trees
- Listen for their low-frequency booming calls, which can travel long distances
- Be cautious and maintain a safe distance, as cassowaries can be aggressive if threatened
- In Australia, visit the Daintree Rainforest or Mission Beach area for the best chances of spotting one
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Double-wattled Cassowary, Australian Cassowary
Family:
CasuariidaePredators
Adult cassowaries have few natural predators due to their size and defensive capabilities. However, eggs and chicks may fall prey to large pythons, dingoes, and feral pigs.
Did You Know?
- The Southern Cassowary is considered the most dangerous bird in the world due to its powerful legs and sharp claws.
- Their casque is made of keratin and may help amplify their low-frequency calls.
- Cassowaries can run up to 50 km/h (31 mph) through dense forest and jump up to 1.5 meters high.
- There are reports of Southern Cassowaries living for over 50 years in captivity.
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References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Casuarius casuarius. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22678108A131902050.
View source - 1 3 4
report, 2016: Dwyer et al.