What is a Cassowary?
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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
More information on cassowary
Cassowary Picture for Labeling and Coloring
Animal Omnibus
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