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.
Length
150cm to 190cm
Wingspan
16cm to 25cm
Weight
30kg to 55kg
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Grey
Secondary Colour
Black
Beak Colour
Black Grey
Leg Colour
Brown
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Sea level to 1100 meters
Arid, Subtropical, Temperate
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:
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