The Large Flightless Bird of Australia, the Southern Cassowary!
A strange looking bird, isn't it? This bird is the flightless Southern Cassowary, or Casuarius casuarius, which belongs to the ratite family just like the Kiwi, Emu, and extinct Moa. It is native to Australia, Indonesia, and New Guinea, and is currently in the "vulnerable" conservation status. These birds roam the forest floor in search of berries and fruit. While the bird looks dangerous, it is actually a shy bird, except when provoked or fed. The bird is also one of the largest birds in existence today.
The Southern Cassowary is also related to the other Cassowaries -- the Northern Cassowary and Dwarf Cassowary, but is the largest of the three. Read on for more information, pictures, links and facts about the Southern Cassowary!
Southern Cassowary photo by Manfred Werner under GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2
What Do Southern Cassowaries Look Like?
Find out more about the appearance of this elusive Australian bird!
The Southern Cassowary has a strange appearance, reminiscent of the dinosaurs. With the large crest on its head, the distinguishing feature, you can see that this bird is unlike any other. The crest, or "casque," is situated on top of the head of these birds for mainly unknown reasons. Some have guessed that the crest serves as a functional protective helmet on top of their skulls, as they are known to run quickly in forests, or to dig around in forest brush. Another reason might be that the casque helps the Cassowary hear the other low frequency calls of its fellow birds in the dense forest.
The Southern Cassowary has feathers that resemble fur, like other ratites, and have porcupine-like quills. They are also known for their powerful legs and dangerous sharp middle claw that can be used to attack and kill in some rare cases.
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Are the Southern Cassowary Endangered?
The conservation status of the Southern Cassowary
The conservation status of the Southern Cassowary is threatened, but not endangered. There were approximately 2500 of these birds left in Australia in 2000, with declining numbers due to roadkills, hunting and building.
Unique Cassowary T-Shirts and Gifts
Show your love for this unique bird with equally unique apparel and merchandise!
Cassowary Infant Creeper
Show off your cute little baby with a cute little Cassowary on the front! Perfect for Aussies, too.
Price: 13.99 
Attention Cassowaries, Australia Tote Bag
A Cassowary crossing sign on this Australia themed tote bag is perfect for anyone that's been to Australia, lived there, or currently lives there!
Price: 15.99
The Cassowary Whisperer Kids Baseball Jersey
A funny shirt for kids, the shirt has a picture of a Southern Cassowary and the words "Cassowary whisperer" on the front.
Price: 17.99
Cassowary Infant/Toddler T-Shirt
A cute hand-drawn design of a Cassowary on this infant toddler t-shirt!
Price: 10.00
Attention Cassowaries, Australia Wall Clock
The perfect home decor for any Australian! A wall clock with all 12 numbers and a "caution Cassowary crossing" road sign in yellow in the middle!
Price: 17.99
The Southern Cassowary, many ratite cousins!
Did you know that the Southern Cassowary is closely related to the kiwi?
Behavior of the Southern Cassowary
The diet, mating behavior and temperament of this Australian and Indonesian bird
The Southern Cassowary eats mainly plants on the forest floor, such as fruits and fungi. They will also eat small insects, and can digest fruits inedible to other bird species. The bird also likes to be alone most of the year except for mating season, when it builds large nests from plant matter in the spring/winter months. The male does most of the incubation work, and tends for the little Cassowary chicks upon hatching.
Books & Products on Australia
...and the Southern Cassowary!
![Fuzzy Fellas Cassowary 11in Plush by Wild Republic [Toy] [Toy]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41zqa-KRulL._SL75_.jpg)
More About the Southern Cassowary on Wikipedia
Wikipedia is the source for this Squidoo lens on the Southern Cassowary. Learn more about the bird on the official Wiki page!
The Southern Cassowary, Casuarius casuarius, also known as Double-wattled Cassowary, Australian Cassowary or Two-wattled Cassowary, is a large flightless black bird. It is a ratite and therefore closely related to the emu, Ostrich, and Rhea.
Cassowary Fact:
This bird is completely flightless, with useless wings that serve no purpose!
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