The cassowary is a large, flightless bird, very distinctive with a short neck and wedge-shaped body. Feathers are coarse, bristly, and glossy black in color. Head is equipped with a tall, grayish, bony casque or helmet on top. The skin on the head is pale blue, becoming darker down the neck. Two very powerful legs; feet with three toes; a claw is located at the end of each toe.