Cassowarys
 (Ostriches, Emus and Rheas)
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Cassowarys are Large flightless birds belonging to the "Ratite" family. The family name is derived from the Latin "Ratis" meaning "Raft" which describes the flat breastbone or sternum which lacks the keel that acts as a extra anchorage for the large flight muscles of flying birds. The name Cassowary is from a Malay name [kesuari] for the birds There are 3 species of which the "Southern Cassowary" is found in North Queensland Australia. Normally Cassowaries are very shy but when cornered can lash out dangerously with their claws
Cassowary..Isn't this ravenous Creature Cute??!?
Ostrich...interesting Bird...
Emu!!  Um...don't really know what to say about this one..another interesting bird. Rhea!  Um..never heard of this bird before today..but it sure looks like the rest of them..don't it?
Another Cassowary!  um..I know nothing about these birds really..they are REALLY kewl looking..and I saw them on the discovery channel this morning!! They are REALLY mean..don't ever get into a fight with one..it will win! lol  Um..hope you enjoyed this page..and learned something new about the Cassowary!!
MORE Facts about the Cassowary:

Distinctive. Tall, greyish bony casque (helmet) on both sexes. Skin on head pale blue, becoming darker down neck. Some red lateral skin on neck also. Two long red-to crimson free-swinging fleshy Wattles originate at the front of the neck with an orange patch on the back of the neck. Body black. Feathers coarse hair-like (bristle like) with shaft and aftershaft. Short, stout green-grey or brown-grey legs, feet same colour; three toes. Inner toe-nail an elongated spike up to 120 mm. Female Cassowary slightly larger and more brightly coloured and more dominate. Size to 1.75 m. approx (5 feet). Though a flightless bird, the Cassowary is a very good swimmer

Helmet (CASQUE)
Grey in colour and slightly directed forward this vertical bony helmet protects the birds head as it makes its swift way through the thick undergrowth of the rainforest. The Cassowary is the only bird in the world to have any type of protective armour

Foot
Each foot on the Cassowary has 3 forward pointing toes with strong claws to provide grip while running, the inner toe having a 12cm (5") long spike for defensive purposes when it kicks out when cornered.
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