Cassowary Facts | Australia North Wildlife Guide

This unlikely, flightless creature is the world’s third-largest bird behind the ostrich and the emu. It can stand up to 6 feet tall and is considered by some to be the world’s most dangerous bird. Cassowaries have been known to attack humans with their sharp claws and powerful kicks and they are able to break bones and cut flesh. However, this behavior seems to be most common in areas where cassowaries have been fed by humans and they have come to expect a reward when they see a person. If they do not receive that reward, they can become violent.

There are three species of cassowaries, but the only one that lives on the Australian mainland is the southern cassowary, which is also known as the double-wattled cassowary.  They can be found in the Daintree Rainforest in the far north tropical region of Queensland.

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