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Emu

Dromaius novaehollandiae

This flightless giant, standing up to 6.2 feet tall, roams the Australian outback with a prehistoric air and a curious nature.
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Visual Identification

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.

Size

Length

150cm to 190cm

Wingspan

16cm to 25cm

Weight

30kg to 55kg

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Brown Grey

Secondary Colour

Black

Beak Colour

Black Grey

Leg Colour

Brown

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Emu can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Emu is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Emu is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Emu is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Emu is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Emu is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Emu can be found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Emu is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Emu is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Emu is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Emu is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Emu can be found in Savanna habitats.

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.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 1100 meters

Climate zones

Arid, Subtropical, Temperate

Distribution Map

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