The Cassowary is a stunningly beautiful and deadly bird.
I got my first ever view of a Cassowary at Bali Bird Park. Spread over 20,000 square metres and housing more than 5000 birds, Bali Bird Park is an avian lovers dream. For enthusiasts it has a wide selection of rare and tropical birds including many types of Birds of Paradise. The picture I have chosen here, however is my favourite picture from when i visited this park in 2010, and it is the Cassowary.
The Cassowary
The Cassowary is a large, flightless bird which is native to Australia, Papua New Guinea and the surrounding islands. It is big, only being beaten for size by the ostrich and the emu. However, while the ostrich and emu are not particularly attractive birds, the Cassowary is a beauty.
As, an Australian, I have travelled extensively through remote areas, but never have I seen a Cassowary in the wild, then again maybe thats a good thing. They have 3 toes on each foot armed with sharp claws that will slice through flesh like butter. If threatened a Cassowary will think nothing of kicking you with its powerful legs and dagger-like claws. They can run at 50km/h, they can jump fences nearly 2 metres high, and they are competent swimmers.
The inner or second of the three toes is fitted with a long, straight, murderous nail which can sever an arm or eviscerate an abdomen with ease. There are many records of natives being killed by this bird
It was for the above reasons that I was overjoyed to see a Cassowary at the Bali Bird Sanctuary, as I knew it would be one of the few occasions that I would be able to come eye-to-eye with one of these great birds. The bright orange neck contrasted so well woth the vivid blue neck. The eyes were piercing and cold, and the large sharp casque in its head would obviously make a brutal weapon. I hope you enjoy my close-up pic of this beautiful bird.
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