Double-wattled cassowary

Scientific name: Casuarius casuarius

Country: Australia and New Guinea

Continent: Australia

Diet: Fruits, seeds, insects, small vertebrates, fungi

Food & feeding: Omnivore

Habitats: Tropical rainforest

Conservation status: The double-wattled cassowary is not threatened yet but is classsified as ‘Vulnerable’.

Relatives: The bird family Casuariidae has four surviving members: the three species of cassowary, and the only remaining species of emu.

Description: The double-wattled cassowary is one of the largest birds in the world. It weighs as much as 60 kg; only the ostrich is heavier. Cassowaries are covered in coarse black feathers, with the exception of the skin on the head and throat which is brightly coloured red and blue. These coarse feathers are an adaptation to the thick vegetation of the rainforest where cassowaries live. Cassowaries are flightless so their flight feathers are reduced to five or six quills on both sides of their body that protect the bird when they are travelling through the undergrowth. One of the cassowary's most distinguishing features is the large protuberance on the top of its head called the casque. Neck wattles are also present in two of the three species of cassowary. These brilliantly coloured folds of skin hang from the bird's neck, and may act as social signals in the dark forest.

Lifestyle: They are most often found in the rainforest, occasionally straying to swampy forested areas. They are excellent swimmers and are often found along river banks.

Family & friends: Generally solitary birds, cassowaries come together only during the breeding season. The male stays with the chicks for approximately nine months protecting them from predators and teaching them to find food on their own.

Keeping in touch: The smaller sized male must approach the larger female, but he must do so carefully because if she is not receptive she is capable of seriously injuring him. The male begins courtship by circling around the female and making a low rumbling sound. Occasionally, the female circles the male.

Growing up: The brown, striped chicks are able to follow the male around in search of food several hours after hatching. The male stays with the chicks for approximately nine months protecting them from predators and teaching them to find food on their own. During this time, the chicks lose their striped markings and moult into a light brown plumage. The skin on the neck and head begins to change colour, and the casque begins to develop. Over the next two years, they gradually moult into the black plumage, and develop wattles. Cassowaries are capable of breeding when they are three years old. Life spans in captivity can reach 20 to 40 years.

Conservation news: Although none of the three species of cassowary are globally threatened, all are suffering from loss of habitat. Their strict ecological needs mean that they are especially vulnerable to shrinking habitats. As rainforests are cleared, cassowaries are forced from one forest to another, often crossing roads where they are in danger of being hit by passing cars. Introduced feral pigs and dogs prey often upon chicks. In New Guinea, an increase in the price of cassowary feathers by the native people, has led to an increase in hunting of the cassowary.