Casuariidae
| Casuariidae | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Southern cassowary | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Casuariiformes |
| Family: |
Casuariidae Kaup, 1847 |
| Genera | |
|
|
| Diversity | |
| 2-3 genera, 6-7 species | |
The bird family Casuariidae has three surviving members: the three species of cassowary.
All living members of the family are very large flightless birds native to Australia-New Guinea. The characteristics of the family are those of its members.
The fossil record of casuariforms is interesting, but not very extensive.
Some Australian fossils initially believed to be from emus were recognized to represent a distinct genus, Emuarius, which had a cassowary-like skull and femur and an emu-like lower leg and foot.
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