The Cassowary

The cassowary, an awe-inspiring, flightless and distinctive bird native to the tropical rainforests of New Guinea, Northern Australia, and nearby islands, possesses a set of unique features and a temperament that sets it apart in the avian world. It is renowned for the helmet-like casque on its head, which serves both protective and communicative functions. The casque is a bony outgrowth covered in keratin, providing the bird with an additional layer of defence during confrontations with predators or rivals.

Sporting striking black and blue plumage, the cassowary’s appearance is a testament to the rich biodiversity of its rainforest habitat. The vivid colours not only contribute to its visual allure but also play a role in courtship displays and territorial communication.

We don’t usually think of birds as being ferocious, but the cassowary is. Its scariest feature is the cassowary’s legs that are robust and well-muscled, enabling it to sprint at surprising speeds when needed. Known to be capable of 50km/hr, you can’t outrun it. The best defence if you cross the path of one, is to climb the nearest tree. However, its most formidable feature is the dagger-like claw on each inner toe, which can inflict serious damage. This adaptation is a vital aspect of the cassowary’s defence / attack mechanism. To defend itself, the bird leaps feet first and slashes with its claws. It is easily able to kill an adversary in this way.

Cassowaries are generally solitary creatures, preferring a more reclusive lifestyle. Their shyness often keeps them hidden within the thick vegetation of the rainforest, making encounters with humans rare. Despite their solitary tendencies, cassowaries can be territorial, especially during the breeding season. They may defend their territory fiercely, using vocalizations, body language, and even physical confrontations to deter intruders.

 The cassowary’s unique physical features, such as the casque, vibrant plumage, and powerful claws, complement its intriguing temperament. While often characterized by shyness and solitude, the cassowary can display territorial behavior and strong parental instincts. Understanding the interplay of these features and temperament adds to the mystique of this remarkable bird in its natural rainforest habitat.

There are some people like the cassowary that tend to be very touchy, easily provoked, and you have to treat them with great caution or there is trouble. But that is not so with someone who has embraced Christian love into their hearts. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NLT.