Animal Talk with Pecker: The Cassowary

From its sharp claws to its beak, this menacing figure looks like something that crept out of Jurassic Park. Of the genus Casuarius, the Cassowary roams the tropical rainforests of Oceania with an intimidating presence and a reputation for violence.




The Southern Cassowary, the most common of the three extant species, is the third largest bird in the world, and the second heaviest. It is classified as a ratite, a flightless bird. The largest of these birds can grow over 6 feet tall and can weigh up to a muscular 185 lbs. If you’re thinking that those are some impressive stats, you’re right. These birds have been loading up on gains. All kinds of gains. They sport small, retarded looking wings that serve only as a shield to protect the body while running through the forest. The most intimidating and notable features of the Cassowary are the large, three-toed feet with sharp claws. The second toe sports a dagger-like claw that can be over 5 inches long, velociraptor style. This claw is used as the primary form of attack and defense. Using its powerful legs, the Cassowary will thrust out its claws (with large claw extended) intending to pierce or gore.



Cassowaries can run up to 31 MPH, and can make great use of this speed when chasing prey or charging in defense. They are predominantly frugivorous, but their diet also includes flowers, fungi, snails, insects, frogs, birds, fish, rats, mice, and carrion. Although these strange beasts look like they’d sink to the bottom of the ocean, they’re surprisingly strong swimmers. These birds sport a large casque (a horny ridge found on the upper mandible of a bird's bill) on their heads. There is still debate as to the purpose of this casque, with some biologists theorizing that it's purely for males to pull better cassowary poon, and other biologists suggesting that it functions as a crown of sorts to protect our feathered friend while it runs "full tilt through the vegetation, brushing saplings aside and occasionally careening into small trees.” This horn-like casque can grow up to 7 inches high.



The birds are native to the tropical forests of New Guinea (Papua New Guinea and Indonesia), nearby islands, and northeastern Australia. In some regions they are listed as vulnerable or endangered. With no natural predators, the oft-called "most dangerous bird in the world" is an intimidating figure in its natural habitat.



Cassowaries have developed a reputation for being extremely ill-tempered, aggressive and, at times, deadly. During World War II American and Australian troops stationed in New Guinea were warned to steer clear of them. In his book Living Birds of the World from 1958, ornithologist Ernest Thomas Gilliard wrote:

The inner or second of the three toes is fitted with a long, straight, murderous nail which can sever an arm or eviscerate an abdomen with ease. There are many records of natives being killed by this bird.

A recent study showed that there have been over 150 attacks against humans. The attacks can ususally be attributed to the bird feeling threatened or protecting its eggs. One of the attacks resulted in the death of a human. The death was the result of a kick to the neck which created a large gash and may have severed the jugular vein.



The fearless and sometimes aggressive nature of the birds in the presence of humans has led to many local legends, unsubstantiated reports of attacks, and tall tales about these flightless monsters. Some biologists claim that reports of the bird’s violent behavior have been overstated. Nevertheless, your boy Pecker has seen enough evidence to believe that this bird is bout that life, and is begging you to frick with it.




Let us marvel at the strength and beauty of this unique beast. Tell your friends and family what you’ve seen here so they too may enjoy these miracles of nature.

Join me in celebrating the Cassowary.