Meet the Cassowary
The Cassowary is a large, flightless bird most closely related to the emu. The Cassowary is shorter than the emu, but it is the heaviest bird in Australia, and the second heaviest bird in the world behind the ostrich. Cassowaries are generally jet black as adults, but can have fabulous skin colors on their face and neck depending on where they live.
About the Cassowary
Cassowaries are covered in dense, two-quilled feathers that, from a distance, look like hair. These feathers are not designer for flight, but for protecting cassowaries in their habitat and keeping them dry and safe. Cassowaries have a casque, or helmet, that starts to develop on top of their head at 1-2 years of age. Cassowaries make a booming sound that is the lowest known call of any bird and is right at the edge of human hearing.
Height | 4′ to 5’7″ (largest) |
Weight | 121-167 pounds |
Diet | Fruits |
Incubation Period | 49 to 56 days |
Life Span | 50-60 years |
Threats | Natural predators, poaching, habitat loss |