Emu Bird Facts (Dromaius novaehollandiae)

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.

The Emu can be found in Woodland habitats.

The Emu is not typically found in Garden habitats.

The Emu is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

The Emu is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

The Emu is not typically found in Urban habitats.

The Emu is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

The Emu can be found in Grassland habitats.

The Emu is not typically found in Desert habitats.

The Emu is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

The Emu is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

The Emu is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

The Emu can be found in Savanna habitats.

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.

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Emu. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons

Species that are present in the area during their breeding season

Australia

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:

Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

0-20: Very Low
21-40: Low
41-60: Average
61-80: High
81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

Emus possess remarkable agility for their size. They can sprint at speeds up to 50 km/h and are excellent swimmers, demonstrating impressive manoeuvrability across various terrains.

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

With powerful legs and a robust build, Emus exhibit considerable strength. Their ability to defend against predators and travel long distances in harsh conditions attests to their physical prowess.

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Emus display exceptional adaptability, thriving in diverse habitats from arid interiors to temperate coastal areas. Their nomadic lifestyle and ability to survive weeks without food showcase their adaptiveness.

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

While generally not overly aggressive, Emus can be territorial and potentially confrontational, especially when protecting their young. Their size and powerful kicks make them formidable when threatened.

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Emus demonstrate remarkable endurance, capable of travelling long distances in search of food and water. Their ability to thrive in harsh Australian environments and go extended periods without eating highlights their exceptional stamina.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Emu typically lives for 10 to 20 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

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.

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

Adult Emus have few natural predators due to their size, but dingoes, wedge-tailed eagles, and introduced foxes may prey on chicks and eggs.

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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Visual Identification

Appearance

Size

Colours

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Distribution

Elevation Range

Climate zones

Distribution Map

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Bird Attributes Explained

Attribute Categories:

Understanding the Ratings:

Agility

Strength

Adaptability

Aggressiveness

Endurance

Diet

Behaviour

Vocalisation

Nesting & Breeding

Lifespan

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Population Data

Rarity Index

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