Habitat: Wet Tropics rainforest in tropical North Queensland, melaleuca swamps and mangrove forests
Distribution: Far North Queensland, Papua New Guinea, eastern Indonesia
Lifespan: 12—40 years
Conservation status: Wet Tropics population listed as endangered (Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992), internationally listed as vulnerable (IUCN)
Main threats: Habitat loss
About
They're also fairly easy to spot — at 2m tall and up to 76kg, the southern cassowary is Australia's heaviest flightless bird.
An adult Southern Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius johnsonii)
Their vocal repertoire consists of a range of rumblings and grunts, with low rumbling calls often made in response to potential danger.
Fun fact: Recent research by La Trobe University suggests that a cassowary's crest — called a casque or helmet — can be used to help it thermo-regulate. Previous research has also shown that it may help detect low-vibrating sounds made by other cassowaries over long distances. Known as infrasound, this unusual ability to 'sense' sound is also used by elephants, and was used by some dinosaurs.
Answered: Are Cassowaries actually living dinosaurs? (and more)
Behaviours
Southern cassowaries feed mostly on fallen fruits, but they are also omnivores and will eat anything from snails to fungi to small dead mammals.
They usually feed alone and within their own territory. The meeting of two males can result in a standoff where both birds will rumble and fluff their feathers until one steps away. Males will always give way to females, as females are often considered dominant.
This is also true during the breeding season, which runs from June to October. The female cassowary selects a male to breed with, then lays a clutch of about four large green eggs. The male is then left in charge of incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Cassowary chick
When the chicks know where to find what they need, they leave (or are chased out) to establish their own territories.
A connected rainforest is essential for healthy ecosystems. You can help protect vital habitat in the Daintree here.