Cassowary meaning

A cassowary is a large, flightless bird native to the forests of New Guinea and Australia.


Cassowary definitions

Word backwards yrawossac
Part of speech The word "cassowary" is a noun.
Syllabic division cas-so-wa-ry
Plural The plural of the word cassowary is cassowaries.
Total letters 9
Vogais (2) a,o
Consonants (5) c,s,w,r,y

The cassowary is a large, flightless bird native to the tropical forests of New Guinea, nearby islands, and northeastern Australia. Known for its striking appearance and vibrant blue and purple neck, the cassowary is often referred to as the "world's most dangerous bird" due to its powerful legs and sharp claws.

Physical Description

The cassowary stands between 4 to 6 feet tall and can weigh up to 130 pounds, making it one of the heaviest bird species in the world. Its body is covered in coarse black feathers, which help protect it from the dense undergrowth of its forest habitat. The most distinctive feature of the cassowary is its bright blue and purple neck, topped with a casque, a helmet-like structure made of keratin.

Behavior and Diet

Cassowaries are primarily solitary animals, only coming together during the breeding season. They are omnivorous, feeding on a diet of fruits, leaves, insects, and small animals. Despite its large size, the cassowary is an agile and swift runner, reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. They are also excellent swimmers and have been known to swim across rivers and bodies of water.

Conservation Status

The cassowary is considered a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and hunting. Deforestation and land development have significantly reduced the cassowary's natural habitat, pushing them closer to extinction. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these unique birds and their forest homes.

Interesting Facts

One of the most fascinating aspects of the cassowary is its role as a seed disperser in the rainforest. By consuming fruits and traveling long distances, cassowaries help in the growth and regeneration of plant species. This makes them an essential part of the ecosystem.

Cassowaries play a crucial role in maintaining the biodiversity of their habitats, making them a keystone species in the ecosystem.

Despite their fearsome reputation, cassowaries are shy and elusive birds, preferring to avoid human contact whenever possible.


Cassowary Examples

  1. During our visit to the zoo, we were amazed by the size and beauty of the cassowary.
  2. The cassowary is known for its unique appearance and large casque on its head.
  3. We learned about the endangered status of the cassowary during our environmental science class.
  4. The cassowary is native to the tropical forests of New Guinea and Australia.
  5. Tourists flock to the Cassowary Coast in Queensland to catch a glimpse of these fascinating birds.
  6. The cassowary is a flightless bird, relying on its powerful legs to run through the dense vegetation.
  7. Scientists are studying the behavior and habitat of the cassowary to better understand its role in the ecosystem.
  8. The cassowary plays a crucial role in seed dispersal, helping to maintain the biodiversity of its habitat.
  9. Zoos and wildlife reserves around the world are working together to protect the cassowary from extinction.
  10. Local legends often depict the cassowary as a symbol of strength and protection in Indigenous cultures.


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  • Updated 12/04/2024 - 03:13:59