Northern Cassowary

The northern cassowary is the fourth largest bird in the world. Dinosaur-like in appearance, it has a bony and spongy casque that grows throughout life, serving as a protective helmet, a digging tool, and a temperature regulator amidst other functions.

The size and shape of the casque reflect an individual’s health, likely playing a role in mate selection. 

This flightless fowl can run at 50 kilometers (30 miles) per hour through dense undergrowth, leap 2 m (7 ft) into the air, and even swim. Unlike its cousin the Emu, it is shy, solitary and seldom seen in its forest home, where it forages for fallen fruits.

Its presence is detected by large piles of droppings containing fruit stones, and by huge three-toed footprints.

Cassowaries can become aggressive when cornered. They defend themselves with dagger-like claws deployed in a slashing kick.

Cassowaries have the unfortunate reputation of being the most dangerous bird alive, known to harm or even kill humans. However, this reputation is likely exaggerated as they are not overly aggressive, and attacks are rare unless provoked. 

When it comes to breeding, the roles are reversed compared to many other birds. The female cassowary is polyandrous, mating with multiple males and playing no further parenting role after laying three to five green eggs.

As the sole provider, the male builds the ground nest, incubates the eggs and raises the stripey chicks on his own for nine months.