Casuariidae (cassowaries; class Aves, order Casuariiformes) A family of large, heavy-bodied ratites that have black, hair-like plumage; the wing feathers have bare quills and there are no tail feathers. The head and neck are featherless with a casque, the bill is short and strong, and there are wattles on the neck. The legs are stout with three toes, the inner toe having a long sharp claw. Cassowaries are rainforest dwellers, feeding mainly on fruit and berries and nesting on the ground. There are three species, found in Australia, New Guinea, and neighbouring islands.

cassowaries See CASUARIIDAE; CASUARIIFORMES.