The common cassowary (Casuarius casuarius), native to the rainforests of Australia and New Guinea, is one of the most striking and powerful flightless birds in the world. Known for its vivid blue neck, red wattles, and helmet-like casque, the cassowary is as beautiful as it is mysterious.

Standing up to 2 meters tall and weighing over 60 kilograms, cassowaries are excellent runners and swimmers. Their diet consists of fruits, fungi, and small animals, making them essential for seed dispersal in their ecosystems. Despite their importance, cassowaries are known for their defensive nature, using their strong legs and sharp claws to protect themselves if threatened. Habitat loss and vehicle collisions pose significant threats to their survival, but conservation efforts are underway to preserve these magnificent birds.