Discover the Fascinating Southern Cassowary the Jewel of Rainforest Ecosystems

This flightless bird is a sight to behold with its glossy black plumage bright blue skin on its head and neck and a prominent bony crest called a cask The southern cassowary is a large bird reaching heights of up to 6 feet The southern cassowary is known for its shy and solitary nature However if threatened it can become aggressive using its powerful legs and sharp claws for defense These claws are particularly impressive With the inner toe sporting a dagger-like claw up to 5 inches long the southern cassowary plays a vital role in its rainforest ecosystem as a seed discovery They swallow fruits whole and the seeds are later deposited in their droppings helping to regenerate the rainforest Section 5 the Andean Condor majestic ruler of the Andes