Southern Cassowary

Southern Cassowary:  The Southern Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius) also known as Double-wattled Cassowary, Australian Cassowary or Two-wattled Cassowary, is a large flightless black bird. It is a ratite and therefore related to the Emu, Ostrich, and the genus Rhea.It has hard and stiff plumage, a brown casque, blue face and neck, red nape and two red wattles hanging down its throat. The three-toed feet are thick and powerful, equipped with a lethal dagger-like claw up to 12 cm (4.7 in) on the inner toe.

 The plumage is sexually monomorphic, but the female is dominant and larger with a longer casque and brighter-colored bare parts. The juveniles have brown longitudinal striped plumage. It is the largest member of the cassowary family and is the second heaviest bird on earth, at a maximum size estimated at 85 kg (190 lb) and 190 cm (75 in) tall. Normally this species ranges from 127–170 cm (50–67 in) in length. The height is 1.5–1.8 m (4.9–5.9 ft) and females average 58 kg (130 lb) and males averaging 29–34 kg (64–75 lb). Most adult birds will weigh between 17 and 70 kg (37 and 150 lb).

 Southern Cassowary

 Southern Cassowary

 Southern Cassowary

Southern Cassowary