The Cassowary is Australia's heaviest flightless bird but not as tall as the emu.
There are only 3 remaining species on the planet. The southern cassowary Casuarius johnsonii Is unique only to Australia in the north west tropics of Queensland.
Only an estimated 2000 remain in the wild with the leading cause of decline due to habitat destruction and car accidents.
The Cassowary mainly resides in tropical swamps and is an important animal in the ecosystem whose dung spreads seeds across vast areas ensuring the survival of tropical plants. Some as old as dinosaurs themselves.
Above image is from the news, the nick named Cassowary is Elvis and unfortunately all it's offspring were killed by motorists.
The Cassowary has a tall brown helmet upon its head which it's use is still unknown. Instead of being hardened it is soft. Which may indicate its use in absorbing shock from falling seeds or coconuts.
Their inside toe bears a large dagger like claw upto 120mm long which can be used for digging, opening up seeds and defence (you dont want to get close to one of them)
They can grow upto 2m tall and upto 76kg it is the second heaviest living bird in the world.
The Cassowary is the world's most dangerous bird and does not hesitate to inflict damage and even known to kill dogs.
If you're ever in Australia be sure to visit tropical North Queensland and see these dinosaur birds for yourself.
*Please note not all images are mine and I have used some from mainstream to give you a better image