What is a Cassowary?
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From: Google Images
CASSOWARY
What kind of animal is it?
Class: Bird
Family: Flightless birds
Species: Three
Names: Southern Cassowary; Northern Cassowary; Dwarf Cassowary
Where does it live?
Lives in Queensland, Northern Australia and New Guinea
Habitat: Tropical Rainforest
Most are shy but will fight if cornered.
What does it eat?
- Eat fruits and berries
- Hunt small birds, marsupials and reptiles
What does it looks like?
Bony top on head called a "casque"
Head and neck are blue
Feathers are dark and glossy, blue and black
No feathers on neck and head
Has a wattle (see red appendage in pictures)
How big are cassowary?
- 3rd largest bird in the world (Ostrich and Emu
are larger)
- Grows to over 5 feet (2 meters) in height
- Weigh approximately 130 pounds
What are its enemies?
- Dogs
- Traffic
- Feral pigs (tame pigs that have been released into the wild)
Some are shot, but this is illegal
How does it protect itself?
- Kicks with its legs; sharp claws are dangerous
- Is shy and solitary (lives alone).
- Father takes care of eggs after they are laid
Does it have any other names?
- Double wattled cassowary
- Single wattled cassowary
Is it endangered?
Yes, estimates for 1,300 to 10,000 remaining birds.
Reason: Habitat destruction
Resources
Information adapted from:
Electric
Library Encyclopedia Online
The Living
Museum (Australia)
Photos
from Google "Images"
More information on cassowary
Cassowary
Picture for Labeling and Coloring
Animal Omnibus