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Birds
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Common
Cassowary
Casuarius
casuarius
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 Appearance
The common cassowary is
an impressive bird with long, hairlike quills
which protect it from the forest undergrowth.
Its wings are vestigial, but its legs are extremely
powerful and armed with sharp-toed feet, capable
of inflicting severe wounds. The bald but brightly
colored head and neck bear brilliant wattles
and a horny casque. Size: 1.5 m (5 ft) tall |
Description
As the cassowary moves
through the dense forest in search of seeds,
fruits and berries, it holds this prominent
casque well forward to help break a path. |
Regions
N. Australia, New Guinea,
E. Indonesia in Rain forest |
Diet
Seeds, fruits, berries |
Breeding
Male and female look alike,
but the female is larger. The female lays 3
to 6 green eggs in a shallow, leaf-lined nest
on the ground. |
Conservation Status
VULNERABLE A1bcde
(See explanation to
IUCN
Red List Categories) |
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