Cassowary

Cassowaries are large, flightless birds in the genus Casuarius, native to tropical forests of New Guinea and northern Australia.

Cassowaries are large, flightless birds native to the tropical forests of New Guinea and northern Australia. They are known for their powerful legs, distinctive casque, and a mainly fruit-based diet.

What it is

Cassowaries belong to the genus Casuarius and the family Casuariidae. Three living species are recognised: the southern cassowary, the northern cassowary, and the dwarf cassowary. They are among the tallest birds in the world, with the southern cassowary reaching up to 2 metres in height.

Key details

Cassowaries are flightless and have small wings. They live in tropical rainforests and wetlands of New Guinea, northern Queensland, and nearby islands. Their diet consists mostly of fruit, especially fallen fruit, but they also eat fungi, insects, and small animals. They are generally shy but can become aggressive when threatened, using their strong legs and claws to defend themselves.

Why it matters

Cassowaries play an important ecological role as seed dispersers in their rainforest habitats. While not native to Canada, they are of interest through zoo exhibits and wildlife education. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their shrinking habitats in Australia and New Guinea.