Body measurements
Attribute | Southern Cassowary | Northern Cassowary | Dwarf Cassowary |
---|---|---|---|
Weight | Males: 29-55 kg (64-121 lb) Females: up to 76 kg* (167 lb) |
No reliable estimates available. Weight more similar to Southern than Dwarf Cassowary—possibly up to 60 kg. |
Up to 29 kg (63 lb) |
Height | 130-170 cm (51-70 in) | 120-150 cm (47-59 in) | 100-110 cm (39-43 in) |
*Biggs (2013) states that female Southern Cassowaries can reach 70 kg (154 lb).
Sources
Southern Cassowary: Biggs (2013); Folch et al. (2017a); weight data from Latch (2007)
Northern Cassowary: Folch et al. (2017c)
Dwarf Cassowary: Folch et al. (2017b); weight data from Mack and Jones (2003) and Andrew Mack, personal communication, 2017
(Coates 1985; Biggs 2013; Pratt and Beehler 2015; Folch et al. 2017a; Folch et al. 2017b; Folch et al. 2017c, and as noted)
Body and wings
Head and neck (adults)
Legs and feet (adults)
Differences in juveniles
(Coates 1985; Pratt and Beehler 2015; Folch et al. 2017a)
Adults
Juveniles
Chicks (Folch et al. 2017a)
Unsual feathers
Sexes similar-looking (Folch et al. 2017a; Folch et al. 2017b; Folch et al. 2017c, except as noted)
Distinguishing the three cassowary species (Folch et al. 2017a, and where noted)
Digestion and excretion
Respiration
Resting
Footprints (Marchant and Higgins 1990)
The Northern Cassowary has a large casque and (commonly) a single wattle.
Image credit: © San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. All rights reserved.
Like other ratites (emus, ostriches), cassowaries have loose, satin-like feathers on their neck, body, and tail.
Unlike the other two species, the Dwarf Cassowary have a black casque, black on their face, and no wattles (see Identification).
Image credit: © San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. All rights reserved.