The Emu bird can be easily distinguished among bird species due to its long legs and thick body, making it the second tallest bird after the ostrich. In this article on TekeTrek, we will learn more about Emu birds and their lifestyle.
External Characteristics of Emu Birds
- Emu birds have a distinctive shape resembling the ostrich.
- They are characterized by long legs and a bulky body.
- Adult female Emus are usually slightly larger than males, identifiable by their rear view.
- Both male and female Emus are generally brown in color, with their heads and necks either dark gray or bluish.
- Emus have two types of feathers, scattered around the neck and stiff at the tail.
- The feathers of an Emu are loosely arranged and can appear like hair if not closely observed.
- Juvenile feathers develop after three months, appearing black with brown highlights, particularly on the head and neck.
Locations Where Emu Birds are Found
- Emu birds are found throughout the continent of Oceania.
- These bird species from Australia migrate from north to south depending on the season.
- Thanks to their ability to handle their feathers for protection from the cold, Emu birds have been found living in snowy mountains in Australia.
- Despite their adaptability, Emu birds generally prefer the warm climates of dry forests and grasslands.
- We also find it in Indonesia, the Philippines and New Guinea.
The Lifestyle of Emu Birds
- Emu birds are solitary and diurnal creatures, showing social behavior either when foraging for food or when forced to share nests. They typically feed, groom, and reassemble themselves during the day, reducing their activity at night.
- Emu birds sleep for approximately seven hours, waking up periodically for food or to excrete waste.
- They roam individually or in groups, generally on foot. Their long legs enable them to achieve speeds of around 30 miles per hour.
- Emu birds are unable to fly, but they can climb fences or trees and even swim when necessary.
Emu diet
- Emu birds typically forage for food during the day and primarily consume meat. Their diet can vary greatly depending on the season and location.
- They eat insects such as ants, beetles, cockroaches, spiders, and more.
- In winter, Emu birds feed on flowers, fruits, and seeds. Crops like wheat, reptiles like lizards, small snakes, and animal carcasses are also on the Emu’s menu.
- During the rainy season, Emu birds prefer to munch on grass shoots.
- Emus are constantly on the move, traveling up to 15 miles a day in search of food and water sources.
- When foraging, solitary Emus typically cooperate with up to 20 other birds.
- Emus don’t drink water frequently, but they consume a lot when it’s available. Sometimes, they drink continuously for over ten minutes. Emus can also survive for several days without water during scarcity.
- Emus are attracted to shiny objects. They have been recorded eating objects such as glass, keys, and jewelry. Some emus have even been observed eating coal.
Reproduction and mating in emus
- The emu is a non-mammal animal. The emu’s breeding season begins around December or January, when the birds mate.
- Mating depends on the climate, as the emu prefers to nest when the weather is cold.
- Mating partners usually stay together until the first batch of emu eggs are laid.
- The female emu can lay between five and fifteen eggs, and the male is responsible for incubating them.
- Once incubation begins, the polyandrous female may leave and mate with other males.
- During the incubation period, which lasts about 60 days, the male emu does not eat, drink or defecate. It lives mainly on stored body fat.
- Newborn emu chicks are active immediately and can roam within a few days.
- However, they stay with their father for approximately 7 months, During which they learn how to find food.
- Young emus reach physical maturity at the age of two years. At this point they leave the family to find partners and live independently.
Fascinating Facts About Emu Birds
- The common name “emu” is uncertain but is believed to have derived from the Portuguese word “ema,” referring to a large bird resembling an ostrich or crane.
- Emu birds belong to the class Aves, from the family Dromaiidae.
- The bird has appeared in several disease-causing stories narrated by various Australian Indigenous peoples.
- The Australian military lost a war against Emu birds. In 1932, the military was deployed in Western Australia after farmers complained about Emus destroying their crops. After a two-month-long campaign costing over 10,000 rounds of ammunition, the military had to admit defeat.
- The Emu is the only bird that has four stomach muscles in its legs. Most birds typically have three stomach muscles. This muscle is located in the back part of the leg and is roughly equivalent to the calf muscle in humans.
FAQs About Emu Birds
- What animals’ prey on Emu birds?
Primary predators of Emus include dingoes or wild dogs, eagles, as well as hawks, snakes, humans, and crocodiles.
- How can humans benefit from Emu birds?
For humans, Emu birds are used as food. Their fat is used in oil production, their bones can be carved into tools, and their feathers are used for decorative purposes.
- How long does an emu live?
Emus live from 5 to 10 years in the wild. They can live from 15 to 20 years in captivity.
- Are emu good pets?
Emus are not typically recommended as pets for the average household. While they can be kept in captivity under certain conditions, they have specific needs that can be challenging to meet. Emus require large, secure outdoor enclosures with plenty of space to roam and run, as well as appropriate shelter.
- Are emus friendly to humans?
Emus can be tolerant of humans, especially if raised in captivity and properly socialized. However, they are naturally cautious and may exhibit defensive or aggressive behavior if they feel threatened. It’s important to approach them with caution and respect their space.
- Are emus calm or aggressive?
Emus can exhibit both calm and aggressive behaviors depending on various factors such as their environment, upbringing, and individual temperament. In general, emus are naturally cautious birds and may appear calm in non-threatening situations.
- What kind of bird is emo?
The emu is a huge bird that cannot fly like an ostrich.
- What is the name of the emo bird?
Dromaius novaehollandiae is the name of the emo bird.
- Does the emu fly?
The emu is a bird of the ostrich family that does not fly.
In conclusion, after exploring the world of the emu and its unique natural beauty, we realize that this bird represents a symbol of resilience and adaptation in the face of environmental challenges. Its current situation raises questions about our role in preserving biodiversity on our planet. Let us draw inspiration from the emu’s determination to protect wildlife and maintain ecological balance, as we move forward towards a more sustainable and beautiful world.
