BIRD #40 OF 45

Southern Cassowary

The Southern Cassowary is one of Australia’s most extraordinary birds. Despite being flightless, it plays a vital role in rainforest ecosystems by spreading the seeds of hundreds of rainforest plants.

You’ll only find these impressive birds in the tropical rainforests of far north Queensland.

  • HABITAT

    Tropical rainforest

  • CONSERVATION STATUS

    Least Concern (LC)

  • LOCATION

    QLD

  • HOW TO SPOT IT

    🦤 Large, flightless bird with glossy black feathers
    🔵 Bright blue head and neck with two red wattles
    🪖 Distinctive casque (helmet) on top of its head
    🦵 Powerful legs with three toes and a large inner claw

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    The Southern Cassowary are often called the “gardeners of the rainforest” because they swallow large fruits whole and spread the seeds over long distances, helping Australia’s tropical rainforests regenerate.