Name: South Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius)
Habitat: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Northeast Australia
Diet: Fruits, seeds, fungi, insects, snails, fish, frogs, small birds, small mammals, decayed meat
Why it’s remarkable: The southern cassowary is one of the most ancient birds alive today. Often compared to modern dinosaurs due to their immense size, vivid colors, and formidable, raptor-like feet, they hold the title of the most dangerous bird in the world.
Indigenous to tropical rainforests, the southern cassowary is Australia’s heaviest flightless bird, the loudest in the world after the common ostrich (Struthio camelus). They can grow up to 5.6 feet (1.7 meters) tall and belong to the ratite group, which includes ostriches, emus, and kiwis. Fossil evidence and genetic studies indicate that cassowaries have been around for thousands of years.
The most prehistoric aspect of the cassowary is its foot. Each foot features three toes, with the inner toes possessing dagger-like claws that can reach lengths of up to 5 inches (12 cm). These claws are not merely ornamental; they can deliver powerful kicks that may injure or kill potential threats, including humans. Their legs are muscular, enabling quick and strong movements to fend off predators such as crocodiles and pythons.
Visually, cassowaries have a unique appearance. Their heads and necks are bare and brightly colored in vivid blue and red hues, while their bodies are covered in rough black feathers that resemble hair more than traditional feathers. This plumage protects them from thorns and branches as they navigate through thick vegetation.
This giant bird also features a vibrantly colored wattle, a fleshy pouch hanging from its neck, believed to aid in conveying social signals among individuals. For instance, a head shake may indicate a territorial display. The wattle can signify aggression.
Additionally, they possess a helmet-like structure known as a “casque” atop their heads. Its precise purpose remains a topic of debate among biologists; research indicates that these structures may function as “thermal windows,” allowing birds to dissipate excess heat in hot environments and retain it in cooler conditions. They may also amplify and direct the birds’ low-frequency calls for long-distance communication.
Unlike many other species, male cassowaries take on the primary role in nurturing offspring. They typically incubate eggs for about 50 days and care for chicks for around 9 months post-hatching.
Despite their fearsome reputation, cassowaries are usually shy and reclusive, preferring to avoid confrontation and human interaction whenever possible. However, they can become aggressive if approached by a human.
In 2019, a Florida man was fatally injured by a cassowary kept as a pet, marking the first reported fatality involving these birds in nearly a century.
Source: www.livescience.com