emu

Emu

Dromaius novaehollandiae

CLASS Aves | ORDER Casuariiformes | FAMILY Dromaiidae

RANGE Australia

HABITAT Plains, scrub, open woodlands, alpine pastures, semi-desert

DIET Fruit, grains, grasses and insects

Weight
60 - 120 lbs

Size
4.9 - 6.2 ft

Incubation
8 weeks

Clutch
5 - 15 eggs

IUCN Status
Least Concern
emu

A large flightless bird, the emu's wings are rudimentary and used only for display. Just like hairs, their feathers grow from follicles. Their feet have three toes and fewer bones and muscles than those of flying birds.It can run up to 30 mph, reaching strides of 9 ft long.

The emu has a pouch in its throat that is part of the bird's windpipe and is used for communication. Their deep booming calls can be heard up to 1.2 miles away.

emu chick

While the emu population is currently considered stable, they face potential threats from drought and wildfires.