Emu: Profile and Information

Emu is a vertebrate terrestrial animal belonging to the ratite family of birds.

The ratite family, which also includes ostriches, kiwi, cassowaries, and rheas, is known to be among the largest birds in the world and the most primitive of the modern bird families.

It is a flightless bird and the second-largest living bird by height after its ratite relative, the ostrich, endemic to Australia, where it is the largest native bird and only extant member of the genus Dromaius.

Emu is an important cultural icon in Australia, appearing on the coat of arms and various coins used in the country.

Scientific Classification

Description

Emu (Dromaius Nivaehollandiae) is a soft-fealed brown, three-footed bird with a dark grey head, long neck, and legs. The flightless bird is stated to be able to reach a height of 6.2ft with an estimated body weight of 66 to 100 pounds.

Like the camel, which can travel for days without resting, the emu is also a long-distance traveler. It can travel great distances and has been known to go for weeks without eating. However, they drink water infrequently when the opportunity arises.

Unlike most birds with one feather per follicle, the emu grows a double-shafted feather from each with similarities to hairlike appearance. Its feathers are less water-resistant than other bird feathers, and its tail feathers are usually stiff.

The three-toed-foot bird has long and powerful legs that allow it to grip, thrust itself forward, and make a run to cover an estimated distance of 31 miles (50 kilometers) per hour. An adult female Emu has been studied to be larger and heavier than an adult male emu.

Habitat

The population of the emu is currently considered stable. Emus are known to be primarily found in Australia. Three subspecies are recognized to be inhabiting northern, southeastern, and southwestern Australia.

They have also been found to occupy parts of New Guinea, Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, and the Philippines, while a now-extinct emu lived in Tasmania.

They are known to live in grassland, savanna, and forests, preferring areas with access to water. Also, in Western Australia, Emus are known to move northward during summer and southward during winter.

The average life span of emus in the wild is about 10 to 20 years and up to 35 years in the zoo.

Feeding and Reproduction

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Emu is an omnivorous animal that feeds on various plants and insects depending on the season.

They eat acacia seeds until the rain comes and then eat new grass shoots and caterpillars. In the wintertime, they feed on the leaves and pods of cassia, while in springtime, they feed on beetles, grasshoppers, and fruit.

They also eat crickets, ladybugs, lizards, moth larvae, and ants. Their feeding process in their habitat is important as they serve as seed dispersal specialists.

The reproduction of Emus takes place usually in May and June. Female emus fight viciously for a mate, especially unpaired males.

Mating pairs remain together for up to five months, after which females lay several eggs in one season. They are usually large, emerald-green or dark, shiny green eggs resembling avocados.

The females often wander away to mate, while the male is left to incubate and nurture the eggs for about seven weeks without drinking, feeding, or defecating.

Behavior and Predators

The emu possesses a pouch in its throat, part of the bird’s windpipe, and is used for communication.

When the pouch is inflated, the emu can make deep booming, drumming, and grunting sounds usually made during courtship and breeding season.

A hiss described as blood curing is effective at warning off dingoes. When cornered, they kick with their big three-toed feet to keep predators at bay. It will also rattle its tail and scare off predators.

Predators of emu include dingoes, foxes, and wedge-tailed eagles. Snakes and other nest raiders feed on the emu eggs, while humans feed on their meat and eggs and nurture them for their oil and leather.

Drought and wildfires are also potential threats that could affect them.