EMU Dromaius noaehollandiae
Redlist status: Least concern
Emus inhabit almost all of Australia.
The second-tallest bird on Earth behind only the ostrich; they can grow to be about 1.9 metres tall and can weigh more than 45 kilos.
Emus have very good eyesight and hearing. Emus have a second eyelid that is translucent, and moves horizontally from the inside edge of the eye to the outside edge. They function as visors to protect the eyes from the dust that is prevalent in windy arid regions.
Emus talk – they have a pouch in the windpipe that when inflated can make grunting, booming and drumming noises. They also occasionally hiss when scared or upset!
Emus have long legs that end in large three-toed feet. They can run up to 50 km/hour and will use their feet to kick if they feel unsafe and jump 2 metres straight up. One toe on each foot has a sharp claw, called a talon, which they use for fighting. Strangely, emus can't walk backwards! Emus can swim if required to do so!
Emu feathers grow in twos. Emus can’t fly because it is much too heavy and its wings do not provide nearly enough power to lift it. Feathers are used for insulation.
Emus are omnivores and primarily eat leaves, twigs, fruit, and roots, but will also prey on insects whenever they come across its path. Emus also eat rocks (called gastroliths) to help them grind up the food in their gizzards, which is part of their digestive system.
Emus usually mate between April and June. The males make the nests from bark, grass, sticks and leaves on a flat surface. The female lay a clutch of five to fifteen green eggs. The shell is on average 13 cm × 9 cm and weighs between 450 and 650 g. The egg shell is 1 mm thick! The male incubates the eggs and does not eat, drink, or defecate, and stands only to turn the eggs, which he does about ten times a day for 8 weeks (56-day incubation). He will lose a third of his weight and will survive on stored body fat and on any morning dew that he can reach from the nest.