The emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is a large non-wading bird native to Australia. It has long legs, a neck and a distinctive coat. Although it is flightless, it can run at high speeds. The emu's eggs are among the largest among birds, and young birds hatch already able to run. The emu is culturally important to Australia's Aborigines and has found a place on the Australian national emblem. It is an interesting bird associated with Australian nature and culture.
Emu Coloring Pages
Fast Australian emu
The emu travels long distances in search of food, and feeds mostly on insects and plants. It can also swim, and likes to watch people and other animals. Emu...
Big bird stands on one leg
The emu has excellent eyesight and hearing, allowing it to quickly detect threats. It has some of the strongest legs in the animal kingdom. He can use them to fight opponents...
A bird with a very long neck
The ostrich is very distinctive it has a small head and very large eyes. It has a long neck, and its head and neck are covered with a thin layer of down....
Bird walks on grass and looks for food
Emu are also known to feed on wheat, as well as any fruits and other crops they can access, in case...
Emu prepares to run
The ability to run fast definitely makes life easier for these birds. The moment they sense a threat or some predator that wants to attack them they use this skill and...
Little emu plays in the sand
Emu chicks are active immediately after hatching. Their body is covered with stripes of brown and cream soft feathers that provide camouflage. After three months...
Emu runs on its long legs
Emu are known to travel long distances to find an area that has enough food. The emu folds its wings while running, as...
A large ostrich hides behind the trees
Ostriches are large birds that live in Africa. They are flightless, meaning they cannot fly despite the fact that they have wings. Instead, they are capable of very fast...
Big birds hide in the forest
The emu is the second largest bird currently living on earth after the African ostrich. The largest and heaviest birds are flightless. Their wings are reduced in size. Non-lights break all records....
Australian big bird
Emu are most common in savannah forests and least common in heavily populated regions and arid areas. Emu are tall, flightless birds with highly reduced...
information
- The emu is one of the largest living birds. Adults typically reach 1.6 to 1.9 meters in height.
- They have a gray or brown coat that helps them camouflage themselves in their surroundings.
- Their long legs and neck are distinctive, and they have small feathers on their head that form a kind of chuprin.
Range of occurrence:
- The emu occurs naturally throughout Australia, mainly in bush, forest and open areas.
Behavior and Lifestyle:
- They are flightless birds, but their short wings help them maintain balance while running.
- They are robust and can move at speeds of up to 50 km/h.
- Emu live a solitary lifestyle or in small groups, especially when foraging for food.
Food:
- Their diet consists mainly of plants, such as fruits, leaves, shoots and insects. Sometimes they may also eat smaller animals such as insects and small vertebrates.
Reproduction:
- Female emu are bigger and stronger than males. They are the ones who take the initiative in the courtship process and choose the males.
- Males build nests, lay eggs and care for them. They can incubate eggs for seven to eight weeks, and young emu hatch already fully able to run.
Cultural Significance:
- The emu plays an important role in Australia's Aboriginal culture, appearing in their mythology and art.
- They were also used by Aborigines for meat, leather and other raw materials.
Security:
- The emu is considered a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
- Nevertheless, the mining of their eggs and the destruction of their natural habitat are the main threats to the emu population.
trivia
- Size and Speed: The emu is the second largest bird in the world (after the ostrich), but it is much smaller. Despite its lack of flight ability, it can reach an impressive running speed of up to 50 km/h.
- Eggs: The emu egg is one of the largest eggs in the animal kingdom. It is about 10 cm in diameter and weighs as much as about 12 chicken eggs.
- Paternal Care: During the breeding season, it is the male emu, not the females who lay the eggs, who take on the role of incubating and caring for the eggs and young birds. This is a rare case of paternal care in the animal kingdom.
- Voice: The emu makes loud sounds resembling the rumbling of drums that can be heard over long distances. These sounds are used to communicate within the group and during the courtship period.
- Fat and Meat: Emu have a layer of fat under their skin that helps them survive in harsh climatic conditions. Their meat is lean and low in calories, and is prized by some cuisines.
- Youth Plumage: Young emu have a distinctive striped coat that helps them hide in grass and vegetation.
- National Symbolism: The emu is one of two birds (along with the kangaroo) featured on the Australian national emblem. Their choice was prompted by the fact that both of these animals cannot move backwards, which was seen as a symbolic reference to progress.
- Environmental Impact: Emu can play an important ecological role by influencing vegetation and controlling insects, but excessive pressure from introduced predator species can negatively affect emu populations.
- Aboriginal Legend: According to an Aboriginal legend, the emu is a bird that can't fly because it bought wings from chickens, but was cheated, receiving only short wings.
- Tourism and Views: In Australia, it is possible to experience interaction with emu, both in the wild and in zoos. The sight of an emu running across an open space is undoubtedly impressive and characteristic of the Australian landscape.
