The Cassowary Bird, Facts, Attacks, Pictures and Reproduction.

Often referred to as 'living dinosaurs' due to their T Rex like legs and prehistoric lineage, the Cassowary bird is native to Northeastern Australia and New Guinea. Three living species are recognized to date, however, the Southern Cassowary is the most common and occupies the ancient rain forests, predating those of the Amazon and Congo, of Queensland, Australia.

The Cassowary has a very distinctive appearance and is instantly recognizable due to their casques, horn like helmets on their heads, and beautiful coloring, hues of blue on the neck and head, and red wattles.

Cassowary Facts.

The Cassowary is flightless, however, there is some consensus among biologists that they lost the ability to fly because firstly, they arrived in a place, several thousand years ago, where they had no predators to flee from and therefore, did not need to fly. Secondly, the muscles used for flight had placed huge oxygen demands on the bird. Today, the Cassowary has tiny wings which contain a single claw.

In the main, the species feeds on fruits, fungi and shoots, however, they will, should the need arise, eat meat. The female of the species is usually taller and heavier than her male counterpart and can reach a height, at maturity, exceeding 6ft 6" and weighing up to 129lbs. Although the females tend to be more brightly colored than the males, it is practically impossible to distinguish their gender by appearance alone. The foot of the Cassowary can be twice that of a humans and they contain three long talons of approximately 5" long.

Not much is known about the function of the casque, however, some commentators believe that it has several functions. During the mating season, it is suggested that the Cassowary will maybe use the casque to recognize one another when choosing a mate. Some also suggest that as the Cassowary runs with its head lowered, the casque is used to slash foliage as the bird makes its way through the undergrowth. Another theory, which also relates to the call of the Cassowary, is that during bird song, the casque helps amplify the low frequency vibration of its call.

Cassowary Attacks.

Cassowaries have a fierce-sum reputation and the razor like talons are used by the bird to slash their opponents flesh. With such powerful legs, this species can break bones with just one kick. During an attack, the Cassowary will charge at its victim, jump and kick out. Records indicate that the victims of Cassowary attacks have been both humans and dogs and in some instances have been fatal. As the Cassowary is particularly territorial, attacks have often occurred when they are defending territory, their young ones, or feel that their food source is under threat.

Cassowary Reproduction.

The female of the species often takes several breeding partners and will, on average, lay between three and five huge eggs. The eggs can vary in size, however, they will generally measure between 3.5 to 5.5 inches. The eggs will usually be green or pale green-blue. When the female lays the eggs she will abandon them and generally lay more eggs in the nests of other males. The Male Cassowary will incubate the eggs and care for the chicks, protecting them from predators and other threats for approximately nine months, even though they may not all be his offspring. After this period the young males will leave the nest in search of territory of their own.

Endangered Species.

Many Cassowaries have been killed in road accidents during recent times, as they have wandered from Queensland's rain forests onto nearby roads. There are other threats to this species survival which include the use of pesticides, climate change and in the past few years two cyclones have destroyed much of their habitat. Sadly, at the time of writing, only 1500 Cassowaries are left in Australia. The Cassowary also has a vital role to play in the survival of Queeslands rain forests. As this bird is a fruit eater, Cassowary dung contains an abundance of seeds, many of which will germinate and therefore, replenish the rain forest. On the one hand, this intriguing bird offers an insight into prehistoric times whilst simultaneously making beneficial contributions to our eco-system. We must therefore, protect them.