Cassowary; Emu

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© Copyright, Princeton University Press. No part of this book may be distributed, posted, or reproduced in any form by digital or mechanical means without prior written permission of the publisher. 40 CASSOWARY; EMU 1 SOUTHERN CASSOWARY Casuarius casuarius 170–175cm/67–69in A massive, heavyset, fl ightless rainforest bird weighing up to 86kg (190lb), Southern Cassowary (family Casuariidae) has a coarsely feathered black body and a striking blue and red naked neck and head, which bears a distinctive, large triangular knob or helmet on top. Cassowaries have powerful legs with three-toed feet that possess a 13cm- (5in-) long claw on the innermost toe. Juveniles are buff- coloured with chocolate stripes. The adult’s black colouration and the habitat separate this bird from the only other large fl ightless bird in Australia, Emu, which is never found in rainforests. Southern Cassowary is a shy and very local bird in tropical and subtropical rainforests and in palm groves north of Townsville (QLD); it has also become habituated around Mission Beach and Kuranda (QLD), where it can be seen readily. 2 EMU Dromaius novaehollandiae 150–190cm/59–75in Emu, the only member of the family Dromaiidae, is the national bird, Australia’s answer to the Ostrich (Struthio camelus) of Africa. It is one of only two huge, fl ightless land birds in the country, along with Southern Cassowary. It stands nearly 2m (6.5ft) tall, has a stride over 2.7m (9ft) long, and weighs up to 45kg (99lb). Emu is a massive brown bird of open country, differing in colour and habitat from the black, rainforest-dwelling cassowary. Emu is found in most open habitats but is especially common in non-irrigated croplands and pastures. Typically seen crossing red dirt roads or feeding in small groups (two to six birds), it is seemingly quite unafraid when approached slowly by a vehicle, though typically quickly runs away when pursued on foot. 2 For general queries, contact [email protected] 01 Birds of Australia pp040-099.indd 40 09/06/2014 19:07 © Copyright, Princeton University Press. No part of this book may be distributed, posted, or reproduced in any form by digital or mechanical means without prior written permission of the publisher. left 1 ad. & imm. 2 For general queries, contact [email protected] 01 Birds of Australia pp040-099.indd 41 09/06/2014 19:07.

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