Description
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There are three species of cassowaries double wattled, dwarf and northern cassowary.
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The Southern Cassowary which is also known as double wattled Cassowary is the largest of the species.
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They are the largest Asian bird.
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The cassowary is the second heaviest on earth.
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Their bodies are covered with dark brown or black feathers which look more like thick, coarse hair.
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The neck and head have no feathers and are boldly colored blue and red.
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On their heads there is a large bony helmet which is made of trabecular bone and cartilage.
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The wings are extremely small and there are vestiges of primary feathers in the form of five or six long white spines.
Head to body : 127 – 170 cm ( 50-67 in )
Height length : 1.5 – 1.8 m ( 4.9 – 5.9 ft )
Claw length : 12 cm long
Weight : 29 – 59kg ( 63.88 – 129.96 lbs )
Range : Australia, Queensland, Southern , eastern,and northwestern New Guinea
Habitat: Rainforest
Diet. : Fungi , fruits, insects, and small vertebrates
Status: They are endangered. The population has been limited. There are used to be 10,000 – 20,000 of this species . Now only 1,500- 2,500 in the wild.
Reason for status: habitat loss and overhunting
Incubation period : 50 days
Longevity: 20-40 years in captivity / 12-19 years in the wild