Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large, flightless bird native to the tropical forests of New Guinea, nearby islands, and northeastern Australia. It is characterized by its black, hair-like feathers, a distinctive bony casque (helmet) on its head, and brightly colored skin on its neck and head. Cassowaries are known for their powerful legs and sharp claws, which they can use defensively.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The cassowary is considered one of the world's most dangerous birds.
  • We spotted a cassowary foraging for fruit in the rainforest.
  • The cassowary's casque is thought to help it push through dense undergrowth.

Advanced Usage

• "Southern cassowary": The most common species, also known as the double-wattled cassowary or Australian cassowary.

  • The southern cassowary is an important seed disperser for many rainforest plants.

• "Dwarf cassowary": A smaller species found in mountain forests.

  • The dwarf cassowary is more elusive than its larger relatives.

Variants and Related Words

• Casque (n): The helmet-like bony structure on a cassowary's head.
  • The function of the cassowary's casque is still debated by scientists.

Synonyms

• Ratite: A member of the group of large, flightless birds that includes cassowaries, ostriches, emus, rheas, and kiwis.

Noun

1. large black flightless bird of Australia and New Guinea having a horny head crest