Emu
Basic Information:
Scientific Name: Dromaius novaehollandiae
Habitat: Emus can be found in the arid plains and tropical woodlands of mainland Australia.
Diet: Emus are omnivores and mostly eat fruits, seeds, plant shoots, small animals, animals droppings, and insects.
Size: 5.7 feet tall / 4.6 to 5.4 feet long
Weight: 110 to 130 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 20 years in the wild. Up to 35 years in human care.
Distribution Map:
I.U.C.N. Conservation Status:
What does this mean?
Least Concern – a species determined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (I.U.C.N.) to be pervasive, abundant, and thriving.
Our Emus:
Diggery (Female) – Estimated Birthdate March 2006
Doo (Female) – Estimated Birthdate March 2006
About Emus:
Although originally present on islands surrounding Australia, today Emus are only found on the Australian mainland. They are the second largest flightless bird (the first being the ostrich).
Did You Know?!
- An emu has 2 pairs of eyelids: one is for blinking and the other is to keep dust out.
- A group of emus is called a mob.
- Emus swallow pebbles and small rocks to assist in the grinding of food and to accelerate digestion.
- Male emus build the nest, incubate the eggs, and voraciously defend their chicks, all without the help of the female.
- Emus are fast runners that can reach speeds of up to 31 miles per hour.
- Emus have 3 forward-facing toes that allow it to grip the ground.
- Female emus will lay between 5 and 20 large, emerald-green eggs in large ground nests. Males will incubate the eggs for about seven weeks without drinking, feeding, defecating, or leaving the nest. During this time, females will often move on and continue mating.
- Emu chicks will stay with the male for 4 to 12 months until they are able to eat on their own.
- Emus make a very low-pitched, rumbling trill which can be heard half a mile away! This is done by vibrating a 30cm pouch found in their throat!