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Southern Cassowary

(Casuarius casuarius)

Known as the third-largest bird species in the world, southern cassowaries are blue and teal faced birds that have two red wattles hanging from their necks, a casque or “helmet” atop their heads, long legs and sharp defensive claws. Two southern cassowaries calls the Detroit Zoo home — Neo, who arrived in 2021, and Cremini, who arrived in May 2024.

On Habitat

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Quick Facts

Habitat: Australian Outback Adventure

Class: Birds

Conservation Status: Least concern

Size: 5 to 6 feet tall

Weight: Males weigh about 120 pounds; females tend to be larger weighing up to 160 pounds

Median life expectancy: 20 years

Diet: Fallen fruit, fungi, invertebrates, fish, frogs and rodents