The cassowary is Australia's answer to the question, "What if a dinosaur and a punk rocker had a baby?" Sporting a brilliant blue neck, a head topped with a bony crest (think nature's own mohawk), and legs that could kick through a coconut, the cassowary is not your average backyard bird.
This feathery behemoth resides in the dense rainforests of northern Australia, where it strolls around like it owns the place—which, in all fairness, it sort of does. The cassowary is a solitary creature, preferring the lush solitude of its rainforest home to social gatherings. It's like the grumpy neighbor of the animal kingdom, best left alone to munch on fallen fruits and give stern looks to any creature daring enough to interrupt its day.
Cassowaries are known for their ability to disappear into the underbrush with surprising stealth for such a large bird. They're also fiercely protective of their territory and young, making them the ultimate "do not disturb" sign on legs in the Australian rainforest. If you ever spot one, it's best to admire from a safe distance—no selfies, please!
