Emu
Flightless Australian bird, third-tallest living bird species.
The emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is a species of flightless bird endemic to Australia, where it is the tallest native bird. It is the only extant member of the genus Dromaius and the third-tallest living bird after its African ratite relatives, the common ostrich and Somali ostrich. The emu is an important cultural icon of Australia, appearing on the coat of arms and various coinages, and features prominently in Indigenous Australian mythologies.
- Scientific name
- Dromaius novaehollandiae
- Height
- Up to 1.9 m (6 ft 3 in)
- Top speed
- 48 km/h (30 mph)
- Conservation status
- Least-concern species (IUCN)
- Native range
- Most of the Australian mainland
- Known for
- Flightless bird, cultural icon of Australia
Lore & Background
The emu has soft, brown feathers, a long neck, and long legs. It is a robust bipedal runner that can travel great distances, and when necessary can sprint at 48 km/h (30 mph). It is omnivorous and forages on a variety of plants and insects, and can go for weeks without eating. It drinks infrequently, but takes in copious amounts of fresh water when the opportunity arises. Breeding takes place in May and June, and fighting among females for a mate is common. Females can mate several times and lay several clutches of eggs in one season. The male incubates the eggs; during this process he hardly eats or drinks and loses a significant amount of weight. The eggs hatch after around eight weeks, and the young are nurtured by their fathers. They reach full size after around six months, but can remain as a family unit until the next breeding season.
Reader's Guide
The emu is a significant species both ecologically and culturally. Ecologically, it is a large, omnivorous bird that forages on plants and insects, and can survive long periods without food or water. The emu is rated as a least-concern species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, but some local populations are endangered, with threats including egg predation by invasive species, roadkills, and habitat fragmentation. Culturally, the emu is an important icon of Australia, appearing on the coat of arms and various coinages, and features in Indigenous Australian mythologies. The etymology of its common name is uncertain, possibly derived from an Arabic word for large bird or from the Portuguese word 'ema'. The scientific name Dromaius novaehollandiae means 'fast-footed New Hollander.'
Did You Know?
- The emu is the only extant member of the genus Dromaius.
- The male emu incubates the eggs and loses significant weight during this process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an emu?
The emu is a large, flightless bird found exclusively in Australia, where it holds the title of the country's tallest native bird. It is the only living species in the genus Dromaius.
How tall is an emu compared to other birds?
Emus reach up to roughly 1.9 meters (about 6 feet 3 inches) at the shoulder, placing them as the third-tallest bird species on Earth behind the common ostrich and the Somali ostrich.
Can emus fly?
No, emus are entirely flightless. They compensate with powerful legs that let them sprint at speeds of around 48 km/h (30 mph) across open Australian terrain.
Why does the emu appear on Australia's coat of arms and coins?
The emu is treated as a uniquely Australian emblem and is featured on the national coat of arms as well as various coin designs. It also plays a prominent role in Indigenous Australian mythologies and cultural traditions.
What is the emu's conservation status?
The IUCN lists the emu as a Least-Concern species, so it is not considered threatened. Its natural range spans most of the Australian mainland.
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