The cassowary is a large bird without the ability to fly, like ostriches or emus. Some consider it the most dangerous bird in the world, because of the powerful kicks it can deliver when threatened.
They are jungle birds, shy and difficult to see in the wild Although this has changed due to human action on the jungle. In this file on our site, we will learn about this beautiful bird, with a certain aspect of a dinosaur, where it is from, how it lives or feeds.
Learn all about the common cassowary bird below:
Origin of the Cassowary
The cassowary (Casuarius casuarius) is a bird belonging to the family Casuariidae, like the emus. They are native to Papua New Guinea and Australia They are considered living dinosaurs, due to their large size and type of feathers. Cassowary populations in the wild are declining due to habitat loss and fragmentation Their conservation status according to the IUCN is vulnerable, but according to the Australian government, this species is highly threatened.
Cassowary Characteristics
The two most easily distinguishable characteristics of the cassowary are its large size, reaching almost 2 meters in height and 40 kilograms in weight, and its solid crest, called the helmet. This helmet is gray, both in females and males, although theirs is larger and brighter. The chicks lack a helmet.
A red caruncular protuberance hangs from the neck. The feathers cover the entire body except for the neck, head and legs, they are primitive, black and fine, very similar to hair. The skin of the head and neck is blue, removing the back of the neck, which is red. The plumage of the chicks alternates yellow and black stripes.
Its legs are very robust and strong, capable of delivering strong blows if threatened and have no other way out. They have a very sharp claw on each foot that they use during territorial disputes or defensive behavior. Their thick skin and the type of feathers protect them from being kicked by other cassowaries or when they have to cross the often thorny jungle vegetation.
Also discover the sheet of the white owl or barn owl.
Cassowary Habitat
The habitat of the cassowary is the rainforest, its dense vegetation makes these animals difficult to observe. Like many other places on the planet, the rainforests of Australia and Papua New Guinea are being destroyed. The Uncontrolled logging, agriculture and livestock are destroying the habitat of the Cassowary and many other animals. Because of this, the cassowary can be seen roaming urban areas, orchards and gardens in search of food.
They are mainly solitary animals and maintain a fixed territory throughout the year.
Cassowary feeding
The cassowary is a bird mainly frugivorous, it feeds on fruits that fall to the ground, but it can also eat snails, mushrooms or even dead small mammals to be found. Being solitary animals, they do not share food sources, so if two males meet, they will perform a series of antagonistic behaviors such as standing up, ruffling their feathers and hitting the ground, until one of the two leaves. If a female and a male meet, he will always be the one to move away, because females are more dominant
Some of the plants and fungi that cassowaries eat are toxic, but their digestive system is primed to consume them. On the other hand, cassowaries play a fundamental role in the dispersal of seeds within the forest, being more important than dispersing mammals.
Cassowary Breeding
The cassowary breeding season covers the months June to October A female and a male meet and after a brief courtship, they copulate In a short time the female lays an average of four eggs in a nest made of vegetation on the ground and departs, leaving the male entirely in charge of the brood, their incubation and breeding, until they are old enough to become independent.
The female can reproduce with several males. Chicks are nidifugous, that is, a few hours after hatching they can walk and look for food with their father, from whom they learn everything they need for the life alone.
You may also be interested in learning about the little or European owl.
