Emu
NameEmu
Common NameEmu
Scientific NameDromaius novaehollandiae
FamilyDromaiidae
Wingspan (cm)25
Length (cm)170
Weight (g)42500
Plumage DetailsEmus have coarse, shaggy brown feathers that provide excellent camouflage. Their head and neck are sparsely feathered, revealing bluish-black skin, while the body is covered in a dense, loose plumage that insulates them from both heat and cold.
Vocalization / CallEmus produce a variety of sounds, including deep booming calls, grunting, and hissing. The booming sound, often made by females, can be heard from several kilometers away.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, woodland, savanna, shrubland, semi-arid regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across mainland Australia, avoiding densely populated areas, rainforests, and extremely arid regions. They are found in most habitat types, from coastal areas to alpine regions.
Identifying Featureslarge size (tallest bird in Australia), flightless, long neck and legs, shaggy brown plumage, three forward-pointing toes, vestigial wings
Description
The Emu is the second-largest living bird by height, native to Australia. It is a flightless bird with long, powerful legs and a shaggy brown plumage, known for its ability to run at high speeds across open plains. Emus are nomadic, traveling long distances to find food and water.
