The Cassowary is the giant bird of the rainforest and can stand as tall as a human. The male is the guardian of his chicks and will defend them by leaping and kicking with both feet, each of which is armed with a dagger like claw. Even though the Cassowary carries bright colours on its neck and head, it is not easy to see in the darkness of the rainforest.

Here I have depicted a male with chicks walking out into a pool of sunlight. Cassowaries walk slowly and deliberately, putting each foot down carefully and looking about for freshly fallen fruits. This bird has found some fruits of the Mountain Walnut (Endiandra montana) which it will swallow whole.

Dimensions: 800 x 585 mm (31 1/2” x 23”)
Canvas - edition of 400