Species Profile
Emu
Dromaius novaehollandiae
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
10–20 years
Length
150–190 cm
Weight
30000–55000 g
Wingspan
16–25 cm
Migration
Nomadic
Also known as: Australian Emu
Gallery
Appearance
The Emu is a flightless bird with a tall, upright stance and long neck. Its body is covered in shaggy, greyish-brown feathers that resemble fur. The head and neck have sparse, black, bristly feathers, and its legs are long and powerful.
Adult Emus stand 1.5 to 1.9 meters tall. Both sexes look similar, though females are slightly larger on average. Juveniles have distinctive brown and cream striped plumage until about 3 months old.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Black
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Brown
Markings
Double-shafted feathers. Females are heavier than males, appear slightly darker and have brighter blue colouring on the facial skin, otherwise, mostly similar in appearance
Tail: Almost absent
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Emus are found throughout mainland Australia, inhabiting many habitats, including grasslands, sclerophyll forests, and savannahs. They are absent from Tasmania, rainforests, and densely populated areas.
While generally non-migratory, Emus are nomadic and may travel long distances due to rainfall and food availability. They are well-adapted to Australia's varied climate zones, from arid interior regions to more temperate coastal areas.
Distribution
Diet
Emus are omnivorous, primarily feeding on plants, including fruits, seeds, and shoots. They also consume insects, small vertebrates, and animal droppings.
These birds require stones and pebbles to aid in grinding food in their gizzards, and they can go weeks without eating when food is scarce.
Behaviour
Emus are nomadic, travelling long distances in search of food and water. They are excellent runners, capable of sprinting at speeds up to 50 km/h. These birds are generally solitary but may form large flocks when food is abundant. They communicate through various vocalisations and are known for their curiosity towards unfamiliar objects.
Calls & Sounds
Emus produce a variety of sounds, but their most distinctive vocalisation is a low, booming call that can be heard up to 2 kilometres away. This sound is created by inflating a neck sac and sounds like 'e-moo'. They also make grunts, hisses, and drumming noises, especially when threatened.
Nesting & Breeding
Emus typically breed during the Australian winter and spring. To attract females, males perform elaborate courtship displays, including neck swelling and booming calls.
The male constructs a simple nest on the ground, often near a bush or tree for protection. Females lay 5-15 large, dark green eggs in the nest.
Unusually among birds, the male is solely responsible for incubation, which lasts about 8 weeks. He also cares for the chicks for up to 18 months, defending them against predators and teaching them to forage.
Conservation
While listed as Least Concern globally, Emu populations face localised threats from habitat loss and fragmentation due to agriculture and urban development.
Some states in Australia have implemented conservation measures to protect Emu habitats and maintain sustainable populations.
Population
Estimated: 625,000 - 725,000 mature individuals[3]
Trend: Stable[2]
Population is considered stable, no significant trends
Elevation
Sea level to 1100 meters
Additional Details
- Egg size:
- 13cm x 9cm
- Predators:
- Adult Emus have few natural predators due to their size, but dingoes, wedge-tailed eagles, and introduced foxes may prey on chicks and eggs.
- Alarm calls:
- Loud hissing
- Breeding age:
- 2-3
- Maturity age:
- 2
- Feeding times:
- Mainly early morning and late afternoon
- Major threats:
- Habitat loss, vehicle collisions, predation by invasive species
- Parental care:
- Males incubate and care for chicks
- Primary calls:
- Drumming, grunting or booming
- Social habits:
- Nomadic, often solitary but may form loose flocks
- Egg appearance:
- Large, dark green
- Feeding habits:
- Forages at ground level, pecking at food
- Breeding season:
- Varies by region, usually after rainfall
- Diet variations:
- Opportunistic feeder, diet varies with habitat
- Fledging period:
- 5-6 months
- Average lifespan:
- 10
- Call description:
- Deep drumming or grunting sound, male emus can make a resonant booming sound
- Daily activities:
- Diurnal, spends the day foraging, preening and resting
- Nesting location:
- On the ground, in a shallow depression
- Number of broods:
- Two to three per season
- Incubation period:
- Approximately 56 days
- Nest construction:
- Simple structure, lined with grass and leaves
- Migration patterns:
- Nomadic movements in response to food availability
- Migratory patterns:
- Non-migratory but may travel long distances for food
- Age related changes:
- Females become larger and heavier with age
- Prey capture method:
- Pecking and picking with beak
- Conservation efforts:
- Protected under Australian law; habitat conservation initiatives
- Territorial behavior:
- Not highly territorial but may defend resources
- Reproductive behavior:
- Polygynous, males incubate eggs and raise chicks
- Special dietary needs:
- Requires high fibre content
- Clutch characteristics:
- 5-15 eggs, laid over several days
- Interaction with other species:
- Generally peaceful, may interact with other species at waterholes
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Emus in open grasslands, savannahs, and woodlands across Australia
- Listen for their distinctive booming, drumming calls
- Observe from a safe distance, as Emus can be territorial and potentially aggressive
- Visit national parks and reserves in Australia for the best chances of spotting Emus in the wild
Did You Know?
- Emus can't walk backwards.
- They are excellent swimmers and often enjoy bathing in water.
- Emu feathers have two shafts emerging from a single quill, a unique feature among birds.
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