Cassowary Characteristics: Self-confident • Capable • Independent • Testy • Single-minded
Scientific Name: Casuarius casuarius
Collective Term: A dash of cassowaries

An Odd Bird

The strange-looking cassowary may not be able to fly like most of its bird relatives, but it demands to be taken seriously nonetheless. Cassowary personalities are both aggressive and capable, and their solitary natures and strange appearance has the effect of inspiring more fear than respect.

Cassowaries spend most of their lives alone, actively avoiding others while doggedly pursuing their own goals. They are usually successful in the workplace when allowed a degree of independence, for cassowaries chafe under micromanagement and are likely flee before the job is done.

As flightless birds, cassowaries lack the perspective and sense of adventure that comes naturally to eagle and owl personalities, but unlike the penguin, this doesn't really bother them. They prefer to hide in the underbrush anyway.

Running Solo

Cassowary personalities have little time for dating. They tend to believe the best way to find a mate is by working hard and building a nest, so when the right person comes along, they can fall hopelessly in love. Because they are so diligent and motivated, this strategy usually works out for all parties concerned. Still, it's not uncommon to find older cassowaries with everything they ever wanted... except a partner.

On the rare occasions when cassowaries venture out in crowds, they stick out like sore thumbs. Simultaneously burly and lanky, homely yet colorful, cassowaries compensate for their lack of social graces by being overly assertive, which has the effect of highlighting how out of place they really are -- especially when it entails inappropriate humor or not knowing when to end a story.

While cassowaries generally have good intentions, it’s wise to not get on their bad sides – for they won’t hesitate to use their powerful personalities and razor sharp tongues to defend themselves. This can result in serious public humiliation for anyone who underestimates them as just some goofy bird.