Dromaius novaehollandiae
Least Concern
The Emu, an iconic giant of the Australian outback, stands tall with its shaggy, brown plumage and long, powerful legs. This flightless bird, second in height only to the ostrich, roams the diverse landscapes of mainland Australia, from arid deserts to lush forests. Known for its curious nature and impressive, booming call, the emu is a symbol of resilience and adaptability, playing a vital role in the cultural and natural heritage of its homeland.
Males and females have similar plumage
Brown
Black, Grey, Light Blue
Brown
Flat Broad
Dark Grey
Dark Grey
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
Almost absent
150cm to 190cm
Length
16cm to 25cm
Wingspan
30kg to 55kg
Weight
Click on an image below to see the full-size version
Female Emu in natural habitat
Emu chick
Adult Emu with young
Emu running through open. country
Emu (male) at nest with eggs
Portrait of an Emu
Drumming, grunting or booming
Deep drumming or grunting sound, male emus can make a resonant booming sound
Loud hissing
Diurnal, spends the day foraging, preening and resting
Nomadic, often solitary but may form loose flocks
Not highly territorial but may defend resources
Nomadic movements in response to food availability
Generally peaceful, may interact with other species at waterholes
Plants, Insects, Grains
Forages at ground level, pecking at food
Mainly early morning and late afternoon
Pecking and picking with beak
Opportunistic feeder, diet varies with habitat
Requires high fibre content
On the ground, in a shallow depression
Simple structure, lined with grass and leaves
Varies by region, usually after rainfall
Two to three per season
Large, dark green
13cm x 9cm
5-15 eggs, laid over several days
Approximately 56 days
5-6 months
Males incubate and care for chicks
Mainland Australia
Variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and arid regions
Up to 1000m
Nomadic movements in response to food availability
Grassland, Forest, Desert
Temperate, Subtropical, Tropical
Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.
Resident or Present
5
20
10 year(s)
2 year(s)
2-3 year(s)
Polygynous, males incubate eggs and raise chicks
Females become larger and heavier with age
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)
Habitat loss, vehicle collisions, predation by invasive species
Protected under Australian law; habitat conservation initiatives
Population is considered stable, no significant trends
Other names:
Common Emu
Family:
DromaiidaePopulation size:
625,000
Population trend:
Stable
Conservation status:
Least Concern
IUCN Red List
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