Emu

Description

The emu is the largest native bird in Australia and the second largest in the world after the ostrich. Like ostriches, they are unable to fly. They have long necks and long and strong legs, with three toes facing forward. The females are larger and darker than the males. The feathers on the body are a greyish brown, but black in the head and neck. During mating season, the females develop white feathers around the neck. 

Ethology

They form mating pairs that remain together for about 5 months. The male builds a nest with branches and leaves so that the female can lay 10-20 eggs, which have a shiny dark green colour. They are incubated by the male, who will not eat or drink for 48 days, after which they will hatch; the male also takes care of the chicks. 

Interesting facts

They are very fast and very well adapted to travelling long distances in semi-arid conditions. They are generally very quiet, but can communicate by making loud “booming” sounds that sound like drums, and grunts that can be heard 2 km away.