Dwarf Cassowary
Other common names: Bennett's Cassowary
Dwarf cassowaries are the smallest of the cassowaries. They measure about 99 to 135 cml when measured to the top of the head and weigh around 18 kg. Their plumage is black and coarse, while their feathers are similar to drooping bristles. Dwarf cassowaries have wings that are much reduced and they are flightless. The head and neck are lacking in feathers and are blue and red in color. The top of their head is crowned with a horny “casque,” which is similar to a bony helmet. Dwarf cassowaries, unlike their near relatives, do not have colored wattles of flesh hanging from their necks. Their legs do not have feathers and are solid and powerful. Dwarf cassowaries have three toes and the innermost toe has an enlarged claw, which can be up to 10 cm in length. Females and males are monomorphoric, although females are larger than males.
Near Threatened
Dwarf cassowaries are hunted extensively but populations seem to be stable at this time. Habitat destruction and excessive hunting could threaten populations.
Dwarf cassowaries are shy birds that are rarely seen in the wild. They are active during the day, spending their time searching for food. They are usually found alone or in pairs and occasionally in small groups. If these birds are cornered, they will defend themselves with powerful kicks. Dwarf cassowaries have reportedly killed both humans and dogs when they were provoked. The call of dwarf cassowaries consists of low, booming tones that resonate at a frequency near the lower end of human hearing. This low-frequency communication is ideal for solitary birds that occur at low densities in thick forests, as dwarf cassowaries do. Little is known about communication when dwarf cassowaries meet to mate, although visual cues may be involved.
99-135 cm, 18 kg
Seven subspecies (papuanus, goodfellowi, claudii, shawmayeri, hecki, bennetti and picticollis) traditionally recognized, but good evidence for their validity lacking (see page 90). Monotypic.
The majority of the population resides in Papua New Guinea, on the eastern side of the island. These birds are also found on the islands of New Britain and Yapen but their presence on these islands is likely due to extensive trade in cassowaries from New Guinea.
Dwarf cassowaries are regarded as high altitude birds in relation to other cassowaries. Their habitat is steep mountainous terrain up to 3000 m (10000 ft) that is thickly vegetated with subtropical to tropical forests.
Dwarf cassowaries feed mainly on fallen fruits or fruits that they pluck from shrubs. Dwarf cassowaries also use the crest on their head to sort through leaf litter and reveal other sources of food, such as fungi, insects, plant tissue, and small vertebrates, including lizards and frogs.
In the genus Casuarius females generally breed 1 to 3 times during an annual breeding season.
Little is known about the mating system of Casuarius bennetti. However, more research has been completed on a related species, Casuarius casuarius, commonly known as southern cassowaries. Female southern cassowaries will become more tolerant of males as the breeding season approaches. Eventually, pairs of male and female cassowaries will form. When the female is ready to lay eggs, the pair will find a nesting site. The male will dance around the female in circles while his throat trembles and swells and he emits a series of low booming calls. Finally, the male will lead the female a short distance from the nest where the female will squat and allow the male to mount her. The eggs will be laid shortly after copulation. In captivity, C. casuarius has been known to copulate between the laying of each egg. After the eggs have been laid, the female will leave to mate with other males.