Cassowary
(noun)
A large flightless bird native to the rainforests of northern Australia and New Guinea, known for its long, sharp claws on its feet.
Origin:
Derived from the malay word "kasua", the word was first used in english in the 1600s to describe the large flightless bird.
Examples:
- The cassowary is one of the largest birds in the world, standing up to 6 feet tall.
- Cassowaries have a distinctive appearance, with a large, colorful neck and a casque, or bony crest, on their heads.
- Cassowaries are omnivorous, eating a wide variety of fruits, leaves, and small animals.
- Cassowaries are important seed dispersers in the forest ecosystems where they live, helping to maintain the health and diversity of the forest.
- Despite their size and powerful legs, cassowaries are generally shy and reclusive birds, avoiding contact with humans whenever possible.