Southern Cassowary
Casuarius casuarius
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<birdfyi-bird slug="southern-cassowary"></birdfyi-bird>À propos
The southern cassowary is often called the most dangerous bird in the world due to its powerful legs and dagger-like inner claw that can reach 12 cm in length. Despite this reputation, cassowaries are vital rainforest keystone species, dispersing seeds of plants that no other animal can. The purpose of their distinctive casque remains debated.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Body Length | 155,0 cm | 61.0 in |
| Envergure | 60,2 cm | 23.7 in |
| Poids | 58000,0 g | 2045.89 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Glossy black hair-like plumage. Brilliant blue and red bare skin on the head and neck. A large bony casque crowns the head. Vestigial wings with no flight feathers.
Bec
Long, laterally compressed, dark grey bill
Habitat & Range
Tropical rainforests, mangroves, and adjacent habitat in New Guinea and northeastern Australia.
Répartition géographique
New Guinea, nearby islands, and northeastern Queensland, Australia.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily fallen fruit from the rainforest floor, also fungi, invertebrates, and small vertebrates. A critical seed disperser for over 150 rainforest plant species.
Statut de conservation
Comportement et reproduction
Nidification
Nest type: PL. Incubation: 47-61 days.
Taille de la couvée
3-8
Son
Chant
Produces very deep, booming rumbles and low-frequency calls below 20 Hz (infrasound), felt more than heard. Also gives loud bellowing grunts audible up to 1 km away.
Taxonomie
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Ordre | Casuariiformes (Cassowaries & Emus) |
| Famille | Casuariidae (Cassowaries) |
| Genus | Casuarius |
| Espèces | Casuarius casuarius |
Names in Other Languages
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| German | Helmkasuar |
| Spanish | Casuario Meridional |
Distribution
Southern Cassowary has been recorded in 3 countries.
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External Databases
Foire aux questions
What does the Southern Cassowary eat?
Where does the Southern Cassowary live?
Is the Southern Cassowary endangered?
How does the Southern Cassowary nest?
What does the Southern Cassowary sound like?
How big is the Southern Cassowary?
What order and family does the Southern Cassowary belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Casuariidae family