common cassowary
Quick Summary
The common cassowary (Casuarius casuarius) is a large, flightless bird native to New Guinea and Australia. It is the largest of the cassowary species, reaching about 1.5 meters (5 feet) in height. These birds have black plumage as adults, a blue, naked head protected by a bony casque, and two red wattles on their throat.1
Cassowaries are primarily fruit eaters but will also consume small animals. They lay three to six green eggs, which are incubated by the male for about 50 days. Cassowaries are known to be aggressive and have been known to injure humans with their dagger-like claws. They can run at speeds up to 50 km (31 miles) per hour. Cassowaries belong to the order Casuariiformes, which also includes the emu.12
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