Cassowaries are one of the largest birds, and southern cassowaries are the largest kind of cassowary! Females are larger than males and can weigh up to 170 pounds, making them the second-heaviest birds after ostriches. Like their close relatives, emus and ostriches, cassowaries cannot fly, but they are great swimmers. They can also sprint up to 30 miles per hour for short distances.
Southern cassowaries are native to forests and savannas in Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. Their striking calls can be heard echoing through the trees. The structure on top of a cassowary’s head is called a casque. It is made of keratin, the same material as fingernails. It’s not known why cassowaries have casques, but they are most likely a reason the cassowary’s call is so deep and loud.
You may be able to spot southern cassowaries in Walkabout Australia!
