Emu Birds - Reproduction
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Picture source:
Oakland Zoo © 1997-2003
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Emu-birds become sexually mature at 2-3 years of age. The breeding pattern of these birds is polyandry with males taking full responsibility for the offspring. The male builds a nest on his territory and the female joins him when everything is ready. The emu breed in December or January. When the male starts incubating the eggs, the female moves away and she pairs with other males. However, a few may stay with the male to defend him.
The mature Emu-bird females lay an egg every 3-5 days. The eggs are dark green to blend with the grass. The male waits until the female lays at least 9 eggs and then he starts incubating them by sitting on the nest. He incubates them for 52-56 days and doesn't eat or drink during this time. When the eggs hatch, he eats the eggshells to get his digestive system going and also to hide the evidence of the chicks from the numerous predators. When the chicks hatch, the males drive the females away and attack anybody who approaches the chicks. He takes care of the brood for 5-7 months and then the bond breaks down.
Chicks of Emus are cream colored with tan and brown stripes allowing them to hide in the grass. As they become 6 months old, they acquire a chocolate brown color. Only at the age of 2 years do the young Emu-birds become colored like adults.
Emu Birds - General Info Links
About Emus - A very detailed description of these birds, their habits and life cycle. Contains some photos of Emus in the wild.
Animal Diversity. Dromaius Novaehollandiae - Full taxonomy, description and life cycle of Emu birds.
Animals Emu - Basic information on Emus written for children.
Animals Emus - Contains photos of Emu chicks and basic description of the Emu life.
Australian Museum Online - Fact sheet about the reproduction, behavior, social structure and breeding of these birds.
Birds Images - Many photos of Emu and other birds.
Birds of Australia - Quick facts of various birds and many useful links.
Birds of the Earth - Contains basic facts on a great number of birds and their habitats.
Centralpets. Emu Birds - Specific care information, breeding and propagation of these animals and their taxonomy and natural history are presented.
Chaffee Zoo. Emu - Range and habitat, physical characteristics and raising the youth are described.
Dromaius Novaehollandiae - A skeleton and a profile of the Emu egg are presented.
Earthlife. Birds - Struthioniformes: Ostriches, Emus, Rheas, Cassowaries and Kiwis.
Emu Information - Scientific classification, adaptations, breeding rituals and impact of humans are presented.
Enchanted Learning. Emu - Basic information on Emus and other related species.
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Picture source:
Sedgwick Country Zoo © 2003
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Greater Rhea - Read about the description of close relative of Emu from Africa.
Oakland Zoo - Description, diet, habitat, life cycle/social structure and video featuring Emu birds.
Ornithology. Emu BIrds - Various birds of Australia are presented along with pictures and photos.
Ostrich Encyclopedia - Much information on Emus, ostriches and related species that are living and extinct.
Roosevelt Park Zoo - Meet the Emu living in this zoo and read its description.
Sedgwick Country Zoo - Basic facts about Emu birds and their photos.
The Emu Ranch - Basic fact concerning Emus and many pictures of these birds in captivity.
Wellington Zoo Emu - Emu factsheet and several photos.
