Quck answer
Emus are large, flightless birds native to Australia. They are known for their long legs, which allow them to run at speeds up to 30 miles per hour. Emus are also known for their goofy appearance, with their small heads and large bodies. Despite their intimidating size, emus are actually very friendly towards humans and can even be domesticated. They are often raised for their meat, which is low in fat and high in protein. Overall, emus are fascinating creatures that are worth learning more about.
Out of the 18,000 species of birds in the world, emus are the second largest in height. These Australian natives are long-limbed and long-necked. To learn more about these birds, we talked to Eric Slovak, assistant curator of birds at Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
Emu versus Ostrich
Emus are large, flightless birds that are related to other ratites found in the southern hemisphere, such as the ostrich, rhea, cassowary, and kiwi. Emus and ostriches share long legs and necks, and they are both fast runners. However, emus have three toes while ostriches have only two. Additionally, ostriches have long wings that they use for running, courtship dances, and changing directions. In contrast, emus have small wings that are about 2 to 4 inches long and are not used for flying.
Emu Size and Nesting
Emus are approximately 5.7 feet tall and can weigh up to 121 pounds. During breeding season (June, July, August), both male and female emus make loud, low grunting sounds. After laying eggs in a nest, which is usually a low indentation on the ground lined with leaves, grass, and bark, the male takes over completely. He incubates the eggs for 56 days and becomes the sole parent when the eggs hatch. The chicks are ready to start eating, drinking, and exploring within 24 to 48 hours after they are born, but they usually stay with their father for about four months before becoming independent.
Emu Habitat
Emus are found in the wild only in Australia, where they wander in flocks called mobs. They roam in various environments, including eucalyptus forests, desert shrubland, and sandy plains.
Emus and farmers have not always gotten along due to the emus’ tendency to roam. The Australian government even launched an “Emu War” in 1932 to control the population by using grenades and machine guns, but only 12 emus were killed, resulting in a failed attempt. As a solution, a 1,609-mile (1,000-kilometer) fence was installed to separate them from grain-producing areas in southwest Australia.
Emu meat has been a popular food source in India and Australia for thousands of years, and in many places, emus are farmed not only for meat, but for oil, leather, and feathers. Their massive eggs, equivalent to about 10 chicken eggs, are a dark emerald green color and weigh about 1 to 1.5 pounds (0.4 to 0.6 kilograms).
While emus are friendly and inquisitive, they are sizable birds with big, three-toed, clawed feet capable of eviscerating even large animals. Thus, they should be treated with respect and caution. They require plenty of room to roam and graze, sturdy fencing, commercial ratite pellets, proper housing in the winter, and annual veterinary care and vaccinations.
In terms of personality, emus have their unique traits just like humans do. Darwin, an emu that lived at Smithsonian’s National Zoo, was curious and loved people. In the wild, emus are omnivores and eat plants, insects, and small vertebrates, using large pebbles called gastroliths to help grind their food.
FAQ
1. What are emus?
Emus are large, flightless birds that are native to Australia. They are the second largest bird in the world, after ostriches, and can grow up to 6 feet tall and weigh up to 130 pounds. They are known for their long, strong legs and curious, goofy-looking appearance.
2. Are emus friendly?
Yes, emus are known for their friendly and curious personalities. They are often seen approaching humans and other animals to investigate and interact with them. However, like any animal, they can become aggressive if they feel threatened or cornered, so it’s important to approach them with caution.
3. Do emus make good pets?
While some people do keep emus as pets, they are not recommended for most people. Emus require a lot of space to roam and need a specialized diet, making them difficult to care for properly. They can also become aggressive and territorial as they mature, which can be dangerous for humans and other animals.
4. Can emus fly?
No, emus are flightless birds. They have strong legs that allow them to run quickly and jump high, but they are not capable of sustained flight.
5. What do emus eat?
Emus are omnivores and eat a variety of foods, including plants, insects, and small animals. In captivity, they are often fed a diet of grains and vegetables.
6. How long do emus live?
Emus can live up to 20 years in the wild, although their lifespan is often shorter in captivity. They reach sexual maturity at around 2-3 years of age and can continue to breed for many years.
7. Are emus endangered?
No, emus are not currently considered endangered. However, their populations have declined in some areas due to habitat loss and hunting.
8. Can emus swim?
Emus are not strong swimmers and generally avoid water if possible. However, they are capable of crossing shallow streams or wading in shallow water if necessary.
9. Do emus have any predators?
Emus are large and powerful birds, so they do not have many natural predators. However, young emus are vulnerable to predation by dingoes, eagles, and other large predators.
Leave a Reply