Cassowary

Cassowary, large, flightless bird of northern Australia and New Guinea. The largest species is nearly 5 ft (1.5 m) tall. The plumage is coarse. The head and neck are naked and brightly colored with wattles and a bony helmet. The legs are strong, and cassowaries can run at 30 mph (48 km per hour), but they are shy and hide in thick cover. Cassowaries have large, sharp claws on their 3 toes that can be formidable weapons. The eggs are incubated by the male, who also cares for the chicks. They feed on insects and fruit.