Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)

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Image of an Emu in the desert
Birds Emu

Introduction

The emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is Australia’s tallest native bird and the world’s second-tallest living bird after the ostrich. This large, flightless species occurs across most of mainland Australia, where it occupies open woodland, savannah, grassland and other habitats with suitable food and water. Emus are also culturally significant and appear with the kangaroo on Australia’s coat of arms. (birdlife.org.au)

Physical Description

Adult emus stand about 1.6–1.9 metres tall when erect, although some individuals may approach 2 metres. They generally weigh between 30 and 55 kilograms, with females usually slightly larger and heavier than males. Their bodies are covered in loose, shaggy grey-brown feathers with darker tips. The head and upper neck are sparsely feathered and bluish to bluish-black, while the long legs are powerful and largely bare.

The wings are greatly reduced and cannot support flight. Each foot has three forward-facing toes and no hind toe, an arrangement suited to running. Emus can reach speeds of about 50 kilometres per hour, with a stride that may extend to approximately 3 metres. Their soft, double-shafted feathers help insulate the body and allow air to circulate through the plumage in hot conditions. (australian.museum)

Chicks are covered in cream-coloured down marked with dark longitudinal stripes. These stripes provide camouflage and gradually fade as the young birds develop brown juvenile and then adult plumage. Adult males and females look similar, although females are generally larger. (australian.museum)

Range and Habitat

The emu is endemic to Australia and occurs across most of mainland Australia, from coastal areas to inland plains and parts of the Snowy Mountains. It is mainly associated with sclerophyll forest, savannah woodland, grassland, shrubland and semi-arid country. Emus are uncommon in rainforest and are less frequently found in extremely arid areas where food and water are scarce. (birdlife.org.au)

Emus are nomadic rather than strictly migratory. Their movements vary with rainfall, food availability and access to water. Where conditions remain favourable, birds may stay in one area, but they can travel hundreds of kilometres when resources become scarce. Some movements have been recorded at roughly 15–25 kilometres per day. (australian.museum)

Emus formerly occurred in Tasmania, but that population was eliminated after European settlement. Distinct island forms from King Island and Kangaroo Island are also extinct. On mainland Australia, regional populations can differ in abundance and conservation status, particularly where habitat has been extensively cleared or fragmented. (birdlife.org.au)

Behaviour and Diet

Emus are diurnal and spend much of the day walking, foraging, preening and dust bathing. They are often solitary or occur in small groups, but larger gatherings may form around abundant food or water. Young birds remain with their father for several months after hatching. Emus are capable swimmers and may cross rivers or other waterways when necessary.

Their diet is varied and changes with local and seasonal conditions. Plant foods include fruits, seeds, flowers, growing shoots and grasses. Emus also eat insects, caterpillars, other small animals and animal droppings. By consuming and later passing seeds, they can contribute to seed dispersal. Small stones and pebbles are swallowed and retained in the gizzard, where they help grind tough plant material. (australian.museum)

Emus communicate with deep booming, drumming and grunting sounds. Booming and drumming are produced with the aid of an inflatable tracheal or neck pouch and are particularly associated with courtship and breeding. Some calls can be heard over considerable distances. (australian.museum)

Breeding usually takes place during the cooler months, broadly from April to June, although timing varies geographically. Courtship includes strutting, circling and distinctive movements by the female. The pair may remain together during courtship, nest building and egg laying, but the female leaves after laying and may subsequently breed with another male.

The female lays a clutch of usually 5–15 large, dark bluish-green eggs at intervals of several days. The nest is a shallow platform or depression lined with grass, leaves and other vegetation. The male alone incubates the eggs for about 55 days. During incubation he generally does not feed, drink, defecate or leave the nest, relying on stored body reserves. After hatching, the male protects and guides the striped chicks, which remain with him for roughly four to six months. Emus are nearly fully grown by about one year and may reach breeding maturity at around 20 months. (australian.museum)

Identification Tips

  • Look for a very large, flightless bird with a long neck, long legs and a bulky, shaggy grey-brown body.
  • The head and neck are sparsely feathered and bluish to bluish-black, contrasting with the darker, rough-textured body plumage.
  • The three-toed feet, reduced wings and long, purposeful stride are characteristic.
  • Striped, smaller birds travelling closely with an adult are emu chicks, usually accompanied by the male.
  • The southern cassowary is the most likely large Australian species to cause confusion, but it has a prominent casque, a much darker body, brighter blue and red neck skin, and a two-toed foot with a large inner claw. Emus lack a casque and have three toes.

Conservation Status

The emu is assessed globally as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and remains widespread across mainland Australia. This global classification does not mean that every regional population is secure. Habitat clearing and fragmentation have affected some local populations, and the emu population of the New South Wales North Coast Bioregion and Port Stephens local government area is listed as an endangered population under New South Wales legislation. (collections.snm.ku.dk)

Important conservation measures include retaining suitable woodland, grassland and shrubland habitat, maintaining movement corridors, protecting nesting areas where regional populations are declining, and accounting for emus in land-use planning. Monitoring is especially important for isolated populations at the edges of the species’ range. Emus are also subject to regulated management and captive-breeding arrangements in some Australian states. (environment.nsw.gov.au)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do emus live?

Emus live only in Australia. They occur across most of mainland Australia in habitats including savannah woodland, sclerophyll forest, grassland, shrubland and semi-arid plains.

How tall is an emu?

An adult emu usually stands about 1.6–1.9 metres tall when erect, although some individuals may approach 2 metres.

Can emus fly?

No. Emus are flightless birds with greatly reduced wings. Their long legs and three-toed feet are adapted for running rather than flight.

What do emus eat?

Emus eat a wide range of plant material, including fruits, seeds, flowers, shoots and grasses. They also consume insects, caterpillars and other small animals when available.

Which parent incubates emu eggs?

The male incubates the eggs alone. He remains on the nest for about 55 days and later protects and guides the chicks for several months.

Are emus endangered?

The species as a whole is currently assessed as Least Concern globally. However, some regional populations have experienced substantial habitat loss and may have more serious local conservation problems.

References

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