Australian Cassowary

One of the most impressive birds in Australia is the cassowary. Sight of one of these giant birds will give images of Australian ancient Gondwanan history, as with reptilian like legs and feet, the birds stand over 160cm tall. They are in a group known as ratites, which includes other giant flightless birds like the emu and ostrich. They have a horny structure atop their heads known as a “casque” thought to help the bird when navigating through rainforest vegetation, but maybe used in mate choice. They cannot fly and instead have remnant wing-like stubs where their wings would have been. This is probably the most dangerous animal in the Australian rainforest due to their impressive 12 cm long claw that has been known to slice people open. Fiercly territorial, it is advised to stay your distance if encountered.

Australian Cassowaries Were Found In:

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