Southern Cassowary

Wildlife Creatures | Southern Cassowary | The Southern Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius) also known as Double-wattled Cassowary, Australian Cassowary or Two-wattled Cassowary, is a large flightless black bird. It is a ratite and therefore related to the Emu, Ostrich, and the genus Rhea.It has hard and stiff plumage, a brown casque, blue face and neck, red nape and two red wattles hanging down its throat. The three-toed feet are thick and powerful, equipped with a lethal dagger-like claw up to 12 cm (4.7 in) on the inner toe.

 The plumage is sexually monomorphic, but the female is dominant and larger with a longer casque and brighter-colored bare parts. The juveniles have brown longitudinal striped plumage. It is the largest member of the cassowary family and is the second heaviest bird on earth, at a maximum size estimated at 85 kg (190 lb) and 190 cm (75 in) tall. Normally this species ranges from 127-170 cm (50-67 in) in length. The height is 1.5-1.8 m (4.9-5.9 ft) and females average 58 kg (130 lb) and males averaging 29-34 kg (64-75 lb). Most adult birds will weigh between 17 and 70 kg (37 and 150 lb).