This flightless fowl can run at 50 kilometers (30 miles) per hour through dense undergrowth, leap 2 m (7 ft) into the air, and even swim. Unlike its cousin the Emu, it is shy, solitary and seldom seen in its forest home, where it forages for fallen fruits.
Its presence is detected by large piles of droppings containing fruit stones, and by huge three-toed footprints.