Emu

About

The emu belongs to a group of flightless running birds known as ratites, the most primitive of the modern bird families.

The ratite family includes the kiwi, ostrich, cassowary, and rhea, all birds found only in the Southern Hemisphere.

Scientific Name

Dromaius novaehollandiae

Size

They are tall and majestic. The emu is the second-largest living bird in the world (the ostrich is the largest).  Adult female emus are larger and heavier than the males.

Characteristic feature

Emus have tiny, useless wings, but their legs are long and powerful.  They can travel long distances at a fast trot and can sprint at 30 miles (48 kilometres) per hour for quite a distance. Their strong legs also allow the bird to jump 7 feet (2.1 metres) straight up.  With good eyesight and amazing agility, emus can escape almost any trouble. In defence, emus can strike and rip with their heavy feet and nails.

Distribution

Emus are common throughout most of mainland Australia.

In Western Australia, emus move northward in the summer and southward in the winter. The emu's range also includes New Guinea, Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, and the Philippines.

Diet

They are omnivores.

Ecological role

They are called the seed dispersal specialist. Seeds eaten whole  come out whole; as the emu wanders about, it leaves fertilised seed-carrying deposits behind in its droppings.

Lifespan

Five to ten years

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements about the “Emu” recently seen in the news:

1. The emu belongs to a group of flying birds known as ratites.
2. Their long and powerful legs provide them with special powers to defend and run.
3. Emus are commonly found in most of mainland Australia.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

A. Only one

B. Only two

C. All Three

D. None

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect:

The emu belongs to a group of flightless running birds known as ratites, the most primitive of the modern bird families. They are not flying birds. The ratite family includes the kiwi, ostrich, cassowary, and rhea, all birds found only in the Southern Hemisphere.

Statement 2 is correct:

Emus have tiny, useless wings, but their legs are long and powerful.  They can travel long distances at a fast trot and can sprint at 30 miles (48 kilometres) per hour for quite a distance. Their strong legs also allow the bird to jump 7 feet (2.1 metres) straight up.  With good eyesight and amazing agility, emus can escape almost any trouble. In defence, emus can strike and rip with their heavy feet and nails.

Statement 3 is correct:

Emus are common throughout most of mainland Australia.  In Western Australia, emus move northward in the summer and southward in the winter. The emu's range also includes New Guinea, Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, and the Philippines.