description Southern Cassowary Overview
The southern cassowary, Casuarius casuarius, is a large flightless bird found in New Guinea, nearby islands, and the tropical rainforests of northeastern Australia. It has glossy black plumage, a blue head and neck, red wattles, and a prominent casque on top of its head. Primarily a fruit eater, it disperses rainforest seeds, while its powerful legs and dagger-like inner toe claws can cause serious injury when the bird feels threatened.
help Southern Cassowary FAQ
What does a southern cassowary look like, and where is it found?
The southern cassowary, Casuarius casuarius, is a flightless bird about 150 to 200 centimeters tall with black plumage, a blue head and neck, red wattles, and a casque. It occurs in northern Queensland, New Guinea, and eastern Indonesia. [Australian Museum](https://australian.museum/learn/animals/birds/southern-cassowary/)
What does the southern cassowary eat, and why is it important?
It mainly eats fallen fruit, fungi, snails, and other small food items, including fruits that can be poisonous to humans. Queensland sources record more than 238 plant species in its diet, making the cassowary an important rainforest seed disperser. [Queensland Government](https://www.detsi.qld.gov.au/our-department/news-media/down-to-earth/southern-cassowary-bird-facts)
Can southern cassowaries attack people?
They can injure people or animals when cornered, especially with the long, sharp inner claw on each foot. Queensland authorities advise people never to feed cassowaries and to keep well away from them. [Queensland Government](https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/conservation/threatened-species/featured-projects/southern-cassowary)
Do male southern cassowaries raise the chicks?
Yes. After the female lays a clutch of large green eggs, the male incubates them and raises the chicks alone. Young cassowaries have yellow and black stripes before developing adult coloring. [Australian Museum](https://australian.museum/learn/animals/birds/southern-cassowary/)
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