Emu are flightless birds that are in the same order as Ostriches, Cassowary, Rheas and Kiwis. Their large bulky body is covered in grey-brown feathers with tiny wings. They have long, bare, powerful legs that enable them to run up to 50 km/hour. Emu have 3 toed feet with sharp claws that allow them to deliver strong kicks when defending themselves. Their heads are almost bald, with some sparse black feathers. They have a black bill and red-brown eyes.
Emu are a nomadic species that follows the rains. They are mainly solitary but will show social behaviours if it is advantageous for them.
Size: Being the second largest bird in the world, Emu’s can range in size, from 1.5-1.9 meters in height and weigh 30-60 kg.
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Emu
Dromaius novaehollandiae
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Animal ClassAves, Struthioniformes.
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HabitatSavannah, Grassland and Shrubland. -
DietOminvores – feeds on fruits, shoots, seeds, insects, and small animals.
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Conservation StatusLeast concern – Population is stable throughout its range.
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Population725,000 mature indiviuals.
The Emu is the largest bird in Australia and the second largest bird in the world.
The Emu is the largest bird in Australia and the second largest bird in the world.
The Emu is the largest bird in Australia and the second largest bird in the world.
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Introduction
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Threats/ Conservation
Least concern
Emus became extinct on several islands including Tasmania due to hunting by humans however they thrived on the mainland with the expansion of cereal farming and are now not considered threatened.
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Habitat
The emu is distributed throughout mainland Australia. Due to their nomadic lifestyle, they will inhabit a range of habitats, including, grassland, wooded savannah, semi-desert, Shrubland and dry forest.
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Fun Facts
Emu are omnivores that eat a wide variety of fruits and seeds, playing an important role in the ecosystem through their dispersal.
Emu will move to areas where food is plentiful during the breeding season. Emu’s form breeding pairs in summer and courtship lasts for up to 5 months.
The male begin incubation once the last egg is laid and during this time, he will forgo food and water for approximately two months, surviving on stored fat alone.
After hatching, the male will protect the flock of chicks and teach them how to find food for up to 7 months.
