CASSOWARY
A large, shy bird that lives in the thick forests of northern Australia
and New Guinea, and nearby islands. All three species of Cassowaries
have a massive body, long legs, and a featherless but brightly coloured
neck and head. A bony helmet, used for butting through undergrowth,
covers the bird’s head. Its wings and tail are small and almost
hidden. Brownish black, bristlelike feathers cover the body and
enable the bird to easily run through dense forests. Their ability
to navigate the brush is aided by several long wire-like quill feathers
sticking from their tiny wings which form around the sides of their
body. Each foot has three toes, the outer two toes of each foot
have heavy nails which are used as deadly weapons in a fight. The
male Cassowary is an attentive parent, sitting on the eggs for 48
days without getting up, feeding or drinking. This remarkable flightless
bird, standing 1.8metres tall, is vulnerable to extinction. Destruction
of its rainforest home, illegal hunting, disease, and road kills
have all taken their toll.
The 'Australiana Collection' wildlife design portrays the beauty of the
bizarre and colorful Cassowary of the rainforest.
Australiana Collection
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