Australian Emu
Australian Emu (Dromaeus Novaehollandiae)
Standing over 1.8m tall and weighing approximately 50 to 60kg, the Emu is the second largest flightless bird in the world and is Australia's largest bird.
Emus run at speeds of up to 48 km/h and defend themselves by kicking. They are very fond off water and they can also swim well. They are long legged heavy-bodied birds that grow rapidly, with wings that are very tiny. Emus tend to be friendly. They are so curious that they will even follow you around.
A nomadic flightless creature, the Emu can be found roaming wild, from the lush high rainfall areas of southern coastal Australia to the arid expanse of the inland region.
The emu feather is a unique in that it has a double plume from a single shaft.
The feathers can range from 25mm to 450 mm in length. The shorter the feather, the softer it is.
Emus, described as an opportunistic feeder in semi-arid and arid areas of Australia, have a preference for high quality items such as green plant material, seed heads, ripening fruit, berries and insects. These birds are sometimes found in large flocks, but more often in paired or family groups. With the approaching cool weather in April the female will lay one egg every 2-3 days, with the total egg clutch about twelve.
The male takes responsibility for the nest, incubating the eggs over a 52 day period (during which he does not eat or drink), and rearing the striped coloured chicks until they are able to fend for themselves, usually 12-15 months.
Emus mate for a 6 month breeding season. During this time, couples wander together in search of food such as seeds, leaves, fruits, and insects to fatten up the male. The male emu needs this extra fat, because he'll soon be sitting for 52 days without food while he incubates the eggs.
The male incubates a clutch of 8 to 12 dark green eggs for about 52 days, each egg weighing ca. 500 grams.
The chicks hatch and begin to follow the male around foraging for food themselves within a few days. Emu chicks physically mature around 1 year of age. They will sexually mature between 18 months and 3 yr.
Emu tend to flock together when not in breeding season.
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