Casuariidae - Cassowaries

They are around 6.5 feet tall and weigh up to 130 pounds. They have long legs, long necks, and rounded heads. They have long black feathers and blue and red featherless necks. Cassowaries have a casque on the top of their heads. Two species have wattles that hang from their necks. Females are usually larger and more brightly colored than males.

Cassowaries run at speeds of up to 30 mph and jump to heights of five feet. If a cassowary is threatened, it kicks out and attacks with its powerful legs and sharp, dagger-like claws.

The female cassowary lays 3-8 eggs. The male incubates the eggs for 50-60 days and cares for the chicks. The cassowary eats mostly fruits, but it also eats insects, small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles.

Casuariidae Photo Gallery

World Status Key
Least Concern Near Threatened Vulnerable Endangered Critically Endangered Extinct in the Wild Extinct
Status and range is taken from ICUN Redlist. If no status is listed, there is not enough data to establish status.

US Status Key
Threatened in US Threatened in NH Endangered in US Endangered in NH Introduced
Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife and NH Fish and Game

Other Species Around the World
Africa Asia Australia/Oceania Europe North/Central America South America NH Species
Dwarf Cassowary - Casuarius bennetti Southern Cassowary - Casuarius casuarius		Northern Cassowary - Casuarius unappendiculatus

Additional Information

Key: Profile Photos Video Audio

Cassowary
The only bird heavier than the cassowary is the ostrich.
Source: San Diego Zoo Intended Audience: Students Reading Level: Middle School

Dwarf Cassowary - Casuarius bennetti
The dwarf cassowary is black with bright blue skin on its throat and neck.
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

Dwarf Cassowary - Casuarius bennetti
The dwarf cassowary is found in steep mountainous terrain at altitudes of up to 10,000 ft.
Source: Animal Diversity Web Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

Northern Cassowary -Casuarius unappendiculatus
The northern cassowary is found in the northern lowlands of New Guinea.
Source: Birdlife Intended Audience: General Reading Level: High School

Southern Cassowary - Casuarius casuarius
The name cassowary comes from the Papuan 'kasu' meaning horned and 'weri' meaning head.
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

Southern Cassowary - Casuarius casuarius
Southern cassowaries are found in lowland rainforests.
Source: Animal Diversity Web Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School