What is an Emu?
An emu is a large, flightless bird from Australia. It is the second-largest bird in the world (after the ostrich) and can run incredibly fast.
There is only one species of emu:
- Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) – Emus are found all across Australia, from forests to deserts. They have long legs, soft brown feathers, and small wings that they don’t use for flying.
Listen to an Emu
Watch an Emu
They Lay Giant Eggs – Emu eggs are dark green, about the size of ten chicken eggs, and weigh around 1 kilogram (2.2 lbs).
Dads Do the Parenting – Male emus incubate the eggs and care for the chicks after they hatch. The mother leaves after laying the eggs.
They Have Tiny Wings – Even though they are birds, emus can’t fly. Their small wings help them balance when running.
They Eat Almost Anything – Emus are omnivores and eat plants, fruits, seeds, insects, and even small animals.
They Make Strange Sounds – Emus communicate using deep booming, drumming, and grunting noises.
- Plants – Grass, leaves, flowers, and seeds.
- Fruits & Berries – They love native Australian fruits.
- Insects – Grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars.
- Small Animals – Occasionally, they eat lizards or tiny rodents.
- Pebbles & Stones? – Yes! Emus swallow small stones to help them grind up food in their stomachs.
Super Fast Runners
- Emus can run at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31 mph).
- Their long legs and three-toed feet help them sprint across the land.
- They use their tiny wings to help them balance when turning quickly.
Huge Strides
- Emus take big steps, sometimes up to 2.7 meters (9 feet) long when running.
- Their strong legs also help them jump over fences and obstacles.
How They Keep Safe
Sharp Eyesight & Hearing
- Emus have large eyes and can see long distances, helping them spot danger early.
- They also have great hearing, so they can detect predators sneaking up on them.
Blending Into the Environment
- Their brown, shaggy feathers help them camouflage in the Australian bush and grasslands.
Running Away
- If a predator gets too close, emus sprint away at high speeds!
- They can also zigzag while running to make it harder for predators to catch them.
Powerful Kicks
- If trapped, an emu can kick with its strong legs to defend itself.
- Their feet have sharp claws that can injure attackers.
Group Protection
- Emus often travel in groups, making it harder for predators to attack them.
- They take turns watching for danger while others eat.
Emus are built for survival, using their speed, strength, and sharp senses to stay safe in the wild.
Grunting – Both males and females grunt to communicate with each other, especially when warning of danger.
Hissing – If an emu feels threatened, it might hiss to scare away predators.
Peeping & Whistling – Baby emus (called chicks) make soft peeping and whistling noises to call their parents.
Body Language – Emus also use body language, such as lowering their heads or fluffing up their feathers, to show different emotions.
- They spread seeds by eating fruit and pooping out seeds, helping plants grow.
- They control insect populations by eating bugs.
- They are part of Australian culture and appear on the country’s coat of arms.
Emus are found all over Australia, from forests to deserts. They are most common in open grasslands and woodlands.
Where to Spot Them:
- Kangaroo Island (South Australia)
- Outback regions of Northern Territory & Western Australia
- Grampians National Park (Victoria)
- Kosciuszko National Park (New South Wales)
- Wildlife parks & reserves across Australia
