Cassowary vs. Southern Cassowary

Attribute	Cassowary	Southern Cassowary
Scientific Name	Casuarius casuarius	Casuarius casuarius johnsonii
Size	Up to 5.1 feet tall	Up to 6.6 feet tall
Weight	Up to 130 pounds	Up to 190 pounds
Distribution	New Guinea and nearby islands	Australia and New Guinea
Coloration	Black with blue and red skin on neck	Black with blue skin on neck

Physical Appearance

Cassowaries and Southern Cassowaries are both large, flightless birds native to the tropical forests of New Guinea and northeastern Australia. They are known for their striking appearance, with a tall, helmet-like casque on their heads, bright blue skin on their necks, and vibrant feathers. However, there are some differences in their physical attributes. Cassowaries are slightly smaller in size compared to Southern Cassowaries, with males typically reaching heights of around 4 to 5 feet and weighing between 75 to 130 pounds. In contrast, Southern Cassowaries are larger, with males reaching heights of up to 6 feet and weighing between 130 to 160 pounds.

Habitat

Both Cassowaries and Southern Cassowaries inhabit dense tropical rainforests, mangroves, and swampy areas. They are primarily found in the rainforests of New Guinea and northeastern Australia, where they forage for fruits, insects, and small animals. Cassowaries are known to prefer lowland rainforests and can also be found in scrublands and grasslands. Southern Cassowaries, on the other hand, are more commonly found in mountainous regions and higher elevations within their range. They are also known to inhabit wetlands and coastal areas.

Behavior

Both Cassowaries and Southern Cassowaries are solitary birds and are known to be shy and elusive in nature. They are primarily diurnal, meaning they are active during the day and rest at night. Cassowaries are known for their territorial behavior and can be aggressive when provoked. They are also known to be excellent swimmers and can cross rivers and streams with ease. Southern Cassowaries, on the other hand, are more territorial and aggressive compared to Cassowaries. They are known to defend their territories fiercely and can be dangerous when threatened.

Feeding Habits

Both Cassowaries and Southern Cassowaries are omnivorous birds, feeding on a variety of fruits, seeds, insects, and small animals. They play a crucial role in seed dispersal within their habitats, as they consume fruits and excrete the seeds in different locations. Cassowaries are known to have a more varied diet compared to Southern Cassowaries, as they also feed on fungi, carrion, and even small mammals. Southern Cassowaries, on the other hand, primarily feed on fruits and seeds, with a preference for figs and other tropical fruits.

Reproduction

Cassowaries and Southern Cassowaries have similar reproductive behaviors, with females being the dominant sex in the mating process. Females are larger and more brightly colored than males, and they are known to court multiple males before choosing a mate. Once a mate is chosen, the female will lay a clutch of eggs in a nest on the forest floor, which is then incubated by the male. The incubation period lasts for around 50 days, after which the chicks hatch. Both parents are involved in raising the chicks, with the male taking the lead in caring for the young.