The Single-wattled or Northern Cassowary is a little smaller than its cousin the Double-wattled/Southern Cassowary.
It is native to northern New Guinea.
Normally shy and retiring, they live in dense forest and eat fruit. However they are intensely territorial and can kill a large mammal with a kick,
using their central toe as a knife. They do not have the dangerous reputation of their slightly larger cousin, the Double-wattled Cassowary, possibly
because they come into less contact with people.
Cassowaries, like Ostriches, Emus and Rheas, are "ratites" - flightless birds.
The strange horn growth like a helmet is said to protect their heads when foraging in their dense forest habitat.