Although there are three extant (not extinct) species of cassowary, this Animal of the Week is the:

Southern Cassowary Casurius Casurius.

The Cassowary is a jungle-dwelling bird that looks a cross between an emu and a turkey. The species stands about four feet tall, lives only in Northern Australia and New Guinea, and according to the Guinness Book of World Records the Cassowary is the most dangerous bird in the world.

This last bit stems from the fact that this large flightless bird has powerful legs which it uses to kick box anyone who comes close. On its feet the Cassowary has long talons (think Velociraptor) that can tear open abdomens. Please see below for an example of a cassowary defending its territory.

Cassowaries mainly eat fallen fruit, but they also ingest snakes, spiders, and assorted jungle things. The name Casso Wary comes from the New Guinea words for Horned Head, and it uses this crest like a battering ram to get through thick bush. If you laughed at this last part. you’re immature.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to learn about the Cassowary. And thank to you Wikipedia, AOL Travel  and Birdlife International for knowledge and images.