The Southern Cassowary is a large, flightless rainforest bird with glossy black plumage, a vivid blue neck, red wattles and a tall helmet-like casque on its head.
Found in tropical forests of north-eastern Australia, New Guinea and nearby islands, it feeds mainly on fallen fruit and plays an important role in spreading rainforest seeds. Shy but powerful, it is one of Australia’s most remarkable birds, with a striking prehistoric appearance and a quiet but commanding presence.
Photographed in Cairns, QLD
