Dromaius novaehollandiae
The Emu, *Dromaius novaehollandiae*, stands as Australia's largest native bird and the second-largest living bird globally, surpassed only by the Ostrich. Reaching heights of 1.5 to 1.9 meters (5-6.2 feet) and weighing up to 60 kg (132 lbs), this impressive ratite is characterized by its shaggy, grey-brown plumage, a small head, long neck often adorned with patches of striking blue skin, and powerful, three-toed legs. Its vestigial wings are barely visible, making flight impossible, but its m...
Emus are highly adaptable, inhabiting most open terrestrial environments across mainland Australia, including woodlands, grasslands, savannas, and shrublands, largely avoiding dense forests and extremely arid deserts. They are typically found from sea level up to moderate elevations in mountainou...
Emus are omnivorous and opportunistic foragers, consuming a wide variety of plants, including seeds, fruits, flowers, fresh shoots, and roots, supplemented by insects (e.g., caterpillars, grasshoppers), small vertebrates, and fungi. They forage by pecking at ground level and browsing vegetation, ...
Emus are primarily diurnal, active from dawn until dusk, often resting during the hottest parts of the day. They are nomadic foragers, frequently travelling long distances in response to rainfall and the availability of food resources. While not strictly territorial outside of the breeding season...
The Emu is widely distributed across mainland Australia, being absent only from dense rainforests and highly urbanized areas. It is found throughout Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and the Northern Territory, demonstrating remarkable adaptability to dive...
Least Concern
- The Emu is the second-largest living bird in the world, after the Ostrich. - It is the only extant member of its genus, *Dromaius*, and the largest native bird to Australia. - Male Emus undertake full incubation duties, sitting on the eggs for approximately 56 days without eating, drinking, or ...