Is there a difference between a cassowary and rhea?

Answer 1

Yes: the two species are quite different, although they have some similarities. They are both related to a group of birds called ratites. Other ratites include the emu of Australia, the kiwi from New Zealand and the ostrich from Africa. Ratites have wings but the bones in their chests do not have the capacity for flight muscles, which is what a bird needs to fly.

The cassowary is much larger and heavier than the rhea. The cassowary can be up to 60 cm taller than the rhea, and weighs between 50 and 60 kg on average, whereas the Greater rhea weighs between 20 and 27 kg. Also, the cassowary is found only in Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Aru Islands. The rhea is native to South America.

Answer 2

No. However, they are both Flightless Birds, belonging to a group of birds called "ratites". Ratites are found almost exclusively within the Southern Hemisphere. Rheas are found in South America, while cassowaries are found in Australia and New Guinea.