Southern cassowary Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Southern cassowary

Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Class:	Aves
Order:	Struthioniformes
Family:	Casuariidae
Genus:	Casuarius
Binomial name
*Casuarius casuarius* Linnaeus, 1758

Distribution of the southern cassowary

An egg of the southern cassowary

The southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius) is a very large bird that cannot fly. It is also known as the double-wattled cassowary because of the two red flaps of skin, called wattles, that hang from its throat. This bird has black, stiff feathers and a big, bony helmet-like growth on its head called a casque.

Southern cassowaries live in warm, wet rainforests. They mostly eat fruit that has fallen from trees. The female cassowary lays up to five large, shiny green eggs on the ground. After laying the eggs, she leaves the male bird to take care of them. The male sits on the eggs until they hatch and then raises the striped chicks. These amazing birds are quite rare in Australia, but they also live in New Guinea.

Meet the Southern Cassowary
- What Does a Cassowary Look Like?
- Where Do Cassowaries Live?
Cassowary Life Cycle and Diet
- What Do Cassowaries Eat?
- How Do Cassowaries Reproduce?
Conservation Status
- Why Are Cassowaries Endangered?
Images for kids
See also

Meet the Southern Cassowary

The southern cassowary is one of the biggest birds on Earth. It can grow to be very tall, sometimes over 5 feet (1.5 meters) high, and weigh more than a person! Its strong legs and sharp claws help it move quickly through the forest.

What Does a Cassowary Look Like?

This bird has a unique look. Its body is covered in glossy black feathers that are stiff and strong. Its head and neck are brightly colored, usually blue and purple, with a red patch on the back of its neck. The two red wattles hanging from its throat make it easy to spot. The casque on its head is made of bone and is covered in a hard material. Scientists think the casque might help the bird push through thick plants, protect its head, or even help it hear low sounds.

Where Do Cassowaries Live?

Southern cassowaries live in the tropical rainforests of northeastern Australia and New Guinea. They prefer dense forests where they can find plenty of food and stay hidden. These birds are very important for their forest homes because they help spread the seeds of the fruits they eat, which helps new plants grow.

Cassowary Life Cycle and Diet

Cassowaries are mostly shy birds, but they can be very protective, especially when they have chicks. They spend most of their time on the forest floor, searching for food.

What Do Cassowaries Eat?

Cassowaries are mainly frugivores, meaning they love to eat fruit. They will eat many different kinds of fallen fruit from the rainforest trees. Sometimes, they also eat small animals like insects, frogs, and snakes, or even fungi. They swallow fruits whole, and the seeds pass through their digestive system unharmed, helping to plant new trees.

How Do Cassowaries Reproduce?

The female cassowary lays her large, green eggs in a nest on the ground. A nest is usually a simple scrape in the soil, lined with leaves. Once the eggs are laid, the male cassowary takes over. He sits on the eggs for about 50 days until they hatch. After the chicks are born, he protects and raises them for about nine months. The chicks are striped when they are young, which helps them blend in with the forest floor.

Conservation Status

The southern cassowary is considered a vulnerable species. This means its numbers are decreasing, and it faces threats in the wild.

Why Are Cassowaries Endangered?

One of the biggest threats to cassowaries is the loss of their rainforest habitat. Forests are being cleared for farming and development, leaving less space for these birds to live. Other dangers include being hit by cars on roads that cut through their habitat, attacks by dogs, and diseases. Efforts are being made to protect these unique birds and their homes.