When you book for one of the Daintree Rainforest tours in Cape Tribulation, you might come across the world's third
largest bird – the Southern Cassowary. These birds are notorious around the Daintree Rainforest
as they are known to be quite territorial.
Despite their aggressive nature,
the Cassowary population is gradually decreasing in number making them part of
the endangered species list.
Here are more interesting facts
you may want to learn about Cassowaries:
·
The
Cassowary was named after the huge horn found on its head. The term Cassowary
comes from two Papuan words “Kasu” that means horned and “Weri” meaning head.
·
Male
Cassowaries are great dads. They are solely responsible for incubating the eggs
for 50 days. They also work hard in raising the young – teaching them how to look for
food and survive until they are a year old.
·
Cassowaries
can’t fly. They are part of the bird
family called “Ratites” which do not have a bone in
their chest to support wing muscles. Other members of the Ratites family are
ostriches and emu.
·
The
2004 Guinness World Records book classifies them as the most dangerous birds in
the world. They have three toes with extremely sharp claws used to kill their
prey. They are also fast runners averaging 50 km/h.
·
The
Cassowaries are good swimmers. Their large claws and powerful legs help them
swim for long distances.
·
The
horn on their head is called a casque. It serves as a multi-purpose type of
helmet that can be used for attacking, defending, and protects them from
bumping into the low undergrowth of the rainforest.
·
Female
cassowaries are usually larger with brighter colours than their male counterparts.
Also, the reddish neck of the cassowary changes in colour from time to time
depending on the bird’s mood.
Learn more about these
interesting creatures by visiting North Queensland and dropping by the Daintree
Rainforest. You can book Daintree Rainforest accommodation at affordable rates to help you maximise your vacation
in the enchanting rainforest.
photo credit: n210_w1150 via photopin (license)
photo credit: Yarrabah the Cassowary via photopin (license)
photo credit: Cassowary Caution via photopin (license)
