B018 Emu
No. 2 Big Bird in the World
The Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is the second-largest bird in the world by height, after ostriches. They can grow up to 6.2 feet (1.9 meters) tall.
They are native to Australia and can be found in most parts of the continent, except for the driest deserts and the densest forests.
Emus are flightless birds, but they can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour (48 kilometers per hour).
My Sightings:
My encounters with emus have mainly been in Wildlife parks and zoos. I have not been able to photograph an emu in the wild.
These photos are from Green Valley Farm at Tingha, NSW, and Billabong Park Zoo at Port Macquarie, NSW.
Some Interesting Facts
Emus are also excellent swimmers and have been known to cross rivers and swim in the ocean.
Emus are omnivores and eat a variety of plants and animals, including seeds, fruits, insects, and small mammals.
Both male and female emus are involved in incubating the eggs and raising the chicks, with the male typically sitting on the eggs for the majority of the incubation period.
The Emu’s feathers have a unique structure that makes them look like hair and not feathers.
Emus have a specialized skeletal structure which allows them to run for long periods of time without getting tired.
Emus are considered as the national bird of Australia.