ExploreBird

Emu

Dromaius novaehollandiae

The Emu is a big, flightless bird from Australia. They have long legs and can run really fast, making them great at escaping danger!

Habitat: Woodlands and grasslands

Appearance

The Emu is Australia's largest bird, covered in shaggy, brown-grey feathers that offer camouflage. It has a long, pale blue neck and a small head, distinctly different from its large, powerful body.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCasuariiformesFamilyDromaiidaeGenusDromaius

Emu

Interesting facts

Emu fathers do all the egg incubation and chick rearing alone!

Emu legs have three large, forward-pointing toes, designed for fast running.

They can make loud booming sounds that travel far across the Australian outback.

They swallow smooth stones to help grind their tough food inside their stomach.

Special abilities

Emu can run up to 50 km/h because of their powerful legs that help them escape predators rapidly.

Emu can deliver a powerful defensive kick because of their strong legs and three-toed feet, protecting them from danger.

Emu has strong legs that help them swim across rivers and waterholes to find new food and habitats.

Emu has excellent eyesight that helps them spot small seeds, fruits, and insects from afar in open landscapes.

Measurements & details

Length: 150-190 cm
Wingspan: 20-30 cm
Weight: 18-60 kg
Lifespan: 10-20 years
Top Speed: 50 km/h
Clutch Size: 5-15
Incubation: 48-56 days

Diet & Feeding

Emus are omnivores, munching on a mix of plants like seeds and fruits, plus insects and tiny critters.

Primary Foods

Grasses
Seeds
Fruits
Flowers
Insects
Small lizards

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Wedge-tailed Eagle

Aquila audax

Juvenile Emus can be vulnerable to attacks from large eagles.

eats

Golden Wattle

Acacia pycnantha

Emus disperse seeds after eating the fruits and flowers of wattles.

eats

Johnson Grass

Sorghum halepense

Emus graze on the seeds and shoots of various wild grasses.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Grassland

These wide-open spaces are covered in grasses, often home to grazing animals and incredible predators! Experience the vastness of the plains.

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Thermoregulating

Learn about incredible animals that can keep their body temperature just right, no matter how hot or cold it gets outside! They have special ways to stay warm or cool.

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Speedster

Discover creatures that dart, zip, and fly with incredible swiftness, making them masters of rapid movement in their habitats. They are built for speed, whether chasing prey or escaping danger.