Cassowary

Cassowary Facts

• Firstly, the Cassowary is a genus of large flightless birds, with three species surviving today. Also, the Southern Cassowary remains by far the most common of the three varieties.
• In addition, among known similar birds, this fascinating animal ranks as the second heaviest, and third tallest. Further, the truly unique birds generally remain quite reclusive, and highly elusive.
• But, the species is also quite shy, even more than most wild animals . It most commonly remains well known for its ability to rapidly disappear into the dense rainforest when approached.
• Finally, the surprising animal generally has a remarkably shy demeanor, as well. However, if provoked the creature does has the ability to inflict serious, possibly even fatal, injuries to humans.

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Cassowary Physical Description

Most notably he amazing species displays sexual dimorphism. Due to this, among all three species of Cassowary, the female stays the larger of the genders. But, males typically attain a maximum height of around 5.9 ft (1.8 m).

Yet females often reach a height of as much as 6.6 ft (2 m). Further, large females sometimes weigh as much as 129 lb (58.5 kg).

The feathers of females also generally appear more colorful than those of the males. The wings remain vestigial and extremely small. The legs of this bird develop as rather powerful. Individuals have the ability to run at speeds of as much as 31 mph (50 km/h).

It also has a long, sharp claw on the middle of each of the three toes. This sometimes grows as long as 5 in (12.6 cm).

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Casuariiformes
• Family: Casuariidae
• Genus: Casuariius

Cassowary Habitat, Distribution, and Ecology

The Cassowary evolved as endemic to the extremely wet and humid rainforest. It occurs in New Guinea, northeastern Australia, and local islands.

It also has a tendency to wander into grasslands, savanna, and swampy regions in search of food. Except for mating season, the Cassowary usually lives as a solitary animal. Males appear to be highly territorial, and females seem to be less territorial.

The bird can deliver a serious, even fatal blow with this claw. Though attacks on humans rarely occur, there have been serious injuries, even fatalities reported.

Finally, the animal is primarily frugivorous in its eating habits.Individuals will also supplement that with the occasional flower, snail, frog, rodent, etc.

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