The cassowary is a large bird with large grayish helmet (casque) and a unique red wattle hanging from the neck. These features make the cassowary so easy to identify. Its feathers are black and hair-like. Its head has a blue bare skin, likewise the fore-neck. However, the rear of the neck is red. Both male and female cassowaries are similar in color. The Young Cassowaries appear browner than adults, and possess duller colored head and neck.

The chicks of the cassowary have yellow and black stripes. The Cassowary generally stands its ground when approached.  This bird has a funny way of scaring its intruders off: when an intruder approaches too close, the bird stretches itself as tall as possible, ruffles its feathers and lets at a loud hiss in an attempt to scare the intruder off. These birds have in their possession dangerous claws, and will readily attack a persistent intruder, although they usually retreat into the dense rainforest.

Northern Queensland inhabits the Southern Cassowaries. The species can also be found through New Guinea and Eastern Indonesia. These birds love to live in the rainforests. They have a secretive lifestyle, and love to live alone as well as inhabit the same area all year round.

The main delicacy of the Southern Cassowary happens to be fruits that have fallen to the ground. It also feeds on snails and small dead mammals. Southern Cassowaries are usually found feeding alone. Should two males meet, they will have a stand off where both birds stand tall, fluff up their feathers and rumble at each other until one retreats. However, should a male and female meet, the male will move away, since the female is dominant.

During breeding season, the female selects a male to breed with. Afterwards, it lays a clutch of large green eggs in a scrape in the ground lined with plant material. The male takes care of incubation until the chicks are hatched. It also takes care of the chicks after hatching.