Definition & Meaning of "cassowary"

What is a "cassowary"?

A cassowary is a large, flightless bird found in the rainforests of Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands. It stands tall and possesses glossy black feathers, with colorful patches on its neck and head. With powerful legs and clawed feet, the cassowary is well-adapted to its dense forest habitat. Known for its bony casque on the head, it is both shy and elusive but can be dangerous with its strong kicks. Despite this, the cassowary plays an important role in seed dispersal and contributes to the biodiversity of the rainforest.