Casuarius unappendiculatus
The Northern Cassowary, *Casuarius unappendiculatus*, also known as the Single-wattled or Gold-necked Cassowary, is a magnificent, flightless ratite endemic to New Guinea. Standing impressively at 1.5 to 1.8 meters (5-6 feet) tall and weighing 50-70 kg (110-154 lbs), it is the world's third-largest bird. Its body is covered in coarse, glossy black, hair-like plumage. Distinctive field marks include a prominent brown bony casque on its head, bright blue and purple skin on its face and neck, vi...
Found primarily in the lowland tropical rainforests of northern New Guinea, often near rivers and swamp forests, but can ascend to montane forests up to 1,100 meters.
Primarily frugivorous, consuming vast quantities of fallen fruits, supplemented by fungi, insects, small vertebrates, and carrion, all foraged from the forest floor.
Northern Cassowaries are largely solitary and diurnal birds, spending their days foraging on the forest floor. They are fiercely territorial, with males defending substantial home ranges, often marking their presence with deep booming calls. Courtship involves the male displaying to the female, w...
The Northern Cassowary is endemic to the northern regions of New Guinea, encompassing parts of both Indonesian New Guinea (West Papua and Papua provinces) and Papua New Guinea. Its distribution primarily lies north of the central mountain ranges, extending from the Vogelkop Peninsula eastward. Th...
Vulnerable
- The Northern Cassowary is considered one of the most dangerous birds in the world due to its powerful legs and a dagger-like claw up to 12 cm (5 inches) long on each foot. - Its large, bony casque on the head is thought to help it push through dense undergrowth, amplify low-frequency sounds, or...