Emu Birds

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Emu Birds - History

Emu-birds (Dromaius novaehollandiae) are members of the ratite family along with ostrich, rhea, cassowary and kiwi. These creatures have flat breastbones and lack wing muscles. They cannot fly, but have strong legs and run very fast. Emu are prehistoric birds that originated about 80 million years ago in Australia. For the Aborigines these birds are the core of existence, because the birds provide them with food, clothing and spiritual sustenance.

Emu Birds - Habitat

Picture source:
ABS TV © 2000
Australian Braodcasting Corporation

The emu-bird lives only in mainland Australia. They inhabit eucalypt forests, mallee, heathland, desert shrub lands and sand plains. After heavy rains these birds are found in desert areas. Emus also can be found near big cities. They suffer from lack of native vegetation that has been cleared to provide agricultural land.

Emu Birds - Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Aves
Order: Struthioniformes
Family: Dromaiidae
Genus: Dromaius
Species: Dromaius novaehollandiae

Emu Birds - Description

This species is the second largest loving bird. They are flightless, large and shaggy. Their secondary feather that branches from the base of the main feather is the same length as the main feather. Feathers that hang limply from the body of the emu give the bird a furry look. The neck and legs of the emus are long. Emu wings are very short and are reduced to about 20 cm. The sunlight gives the feathers their brown color due to melanin. When the sunlight fades, emus become paler. Emu-birds have three toes and are environmentally friendly because they don't destroy even the most delicate terrain.

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