Cassowary

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There are 3 different species of Cassowary, these being the Southern Cassowary Casuarius casuarius (also known as the Australian Cassowary or the Double-wattled Cassowary), the Dwarf Cassowary Casuarius bennetti, and the Northern Cassowary Casuarius unappendiculatus.  The 3 species form the Casuarius genus within the Casuariidae family, which is part of the  Struthioniformes order.
 

Habitat

All three species inhabit similar Habitats, but usually avoid meeting one another, since they prefer different altitudes. Thus the Northern Cassowary lives particularly in low land forests, the Southern Cassowary in middle latitudes, and the Dwarf Cassowary in the mountain rain forest. However there are overlaps to the Habitats and no sharp dividing lines; In areas in which the other species do not occur, the Dwarf Cassowary can descend all the way down to sea level.
 

Appearance of the Cassowary

The Cassowaries weigh 35 to 60 kilograms (77 to 130 pounds), with the Southern Cassowary being the heavier of the 3 species.   They are related to the emu, to which they have a somewhat similar appearance.   Their plumage is black, with a blue and red color on the neck.   As in the other strutioniformes, Cassowaries have atrophied wings and are unable to fly.
Their small wings fold under the body of the bird, apparently to protect the flanks.

They have a characteristic large bony protuberance, called a casque (meaning helmet in french), on the head.   The function of this casque is still puzzling. The traditional explanation is that the device offers protection from head injuries during fast movements in the dense forest.  The birds also use the helmet to brush aside leaves and dig loose earth in the search for food. The main function might lie however in the pronouncement of rank - in other words, the size of the helmet may reflect the social status of an individual and thus play a role in social behavior. The helmet constantly grows, although slowly, during the animal's entire life.

It is difficult to differentiate the gender of Cassowaries. Females are on the average somewhat larger, have brighter colors and larger helmet. However this is not a reliable way of distinguishing the two genders.
 

Claw and Attacks of the Cassowary

They have three toes on each foot.  The middle toe of each foot is 10 to 12 cm long, this being around double the length of the two outer toes, and can be used as dangerous weapon.  A kick of a Cassowary's foot with its sharp claw can produce a deadly ripping wound.

Its first defense is to escape in the vegetation.  However a cassowary that is injured, has chicks nearby or knows itself surrounded or trapped is more dangerous than otherwise.  Evidence exists of an uprovoked attack on a village in Papua New Guinea, where least two people died. That particular bird had however grown up in captivity before it was released in the wild.

Normally preceding an attack the bird takes a threatening posture, in which the feathers are fluffed up and the head is bent to the ground.  The neck swells and the body begins to tremble. A male can also use this display in order to drive away another male from its territory during the reproductive season.  If it then actually comes to an attack, the Cassowary hits with both legs at the same time. The centre claw can thereby cause the heaviest injuries.
 

Next...Cassowary Habits - Courtship and Calls plus Nests & Chicks