What kind of bird is an emu? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. The emu, also known as a flightless bird, is very famous in Australia. It is distributed in open areas such as grasslands and sandy areas throughout Australia, and is known as one of the most famous bird species.
What is an emu? About basic status
Emu (emu) is a bird classified in the genus Emu, in the order Cassowaries and family Cassowaries. The scientific name is Dromaius novaehollandiae and the English name is 鯯鶓. The height is approximately 1.6m-2.0m, and the weight is approximately 40kg-60kg. It is the second tallest animal after the ostrich and cannot fly. Females are larger than males.
| Japanese（和名） | エミュー |
| English（英名） | Emu |
| scientific name(学名) | Dromaius novaehollandiae |
| classification（分類） | Ave、 Casuariiformes、 Casuariidae、Dromaius 鳥綱、ヒクイドリ目、ヒクイドリ科、エミュー属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | LEAST CONCERN |
| Length（体長） | 1.6m-2.0m |
| Weight（体重） | 40kg-60kg |
About classification
The following subspecies of emu exist:
- Dromaius novaehollandiae novaehollandiae
- Dromaius novaehollandiae baudinianus
- Dromaius novaehollandiae diemenensis
- Dromaius novaehollandiae minor
About habitat
The emu is endemic to Australia.
- Geographic Distribution
Found throughout Australia
However, they avoid tropical rainforests, wetlands, and extremely dry deserts.
Their main distribution is as follows:
Forests and grasslands in Eastern Australia
Dry grasslands in South Australia
Open lands in Western Australia
- Habitat
Adapted to a wide range of habitats, including open forests, grasslands, savannas, and shrubs.
Prefers to be near water sources, but can also move in search of water sources in arid areas.
Due to their wide range of movement, they live in open areas far from human settlements.
- Behavior and Characteristics
Move alone or in small groups.
Omnivorous, feeding on grasses, fruits, and insects.
Agility to run quickly to avoid predators.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
The emu is the second tallest bird after the ostrich, but it cannot fly. It has a rather sturdy body and is characterized by relatively long feathers that extend from the neck to the head. The feathers all over the body are grayish-brown, and there are areas where the color is peeling off or darkened. The wings are hidden in deep feathers and are almost invisible from the outside.
- Physical Characteristics
Body Type: A large, flightless bird with a long neck and legs and an overall slender appearance.
Body Length/Weight:
Body Length: Approximately 150-190 cm
Weight: Approximately 30-60 kg
Feathers: Brown to grayish-brown, fluffy and soft.
Head/Beak: Small head, short beak.
Legs: Very long, strong, and adapted for running. They have three toes.
- Behavior and Personality
Although they are flightless, they are very fast runners (up to approximately 50 km/h).
They are highly curious and cautious.
They sometimes live in groups, but can also act alone.
In their habitat, they forage on the ground and also visit waterside areas.
- Biology and Abilities
Diet: Omnivorous, consuming grasses, fruits, seeds, insects, and small animals.
Reproduction: Males are responsible for incubating eggs and raising the young.
Adaptability: They have adapted to a variety of environments, including arid lands, grasslands, forests, and farmland.
- Differences from Poultry
Larger than chickens and ostriches, they have long legs specialized for running.
They cannot fly, but use their feathers for insulation and camouflage.
They are cautious and tend to keep their distance from each other even in groups.
What is your personality like?
Emus have very calm and gentle personalities, and if you treat them kindly, they will become attached to you. However, if you mess with her, she may get angry and attack you with her beak, so be careful.
- Basic Personality
Curious: Often interested in surrounding movements and objects
Highly alert: Sensitive to predators and suspicious noises, they quickly flee
Gentle: Usually behaves calmly in flocks
- Sociality and Behavior
Capable of both flock and solitary behavior
Young birds and birds in food-rich areas tend to live in small flocks
May travel widely alone
Territorial: Rarely stay in a particular location for long periods, instead moving in search of food and water sources
- Relationships with People
Wild individuals keep their distance from humans
In captivity, they are relatively docile and can become accustomed to people, but may kick when stressed or startled
Rarely aggressive, but their defensive instinct is their powerful kicking legs
- Characteristic Behavior
Excellent at running long distances and highly alert to danger
Gentle while eating or traveling, but quickly flees when alarmed
What is the ecology like?
Emus are omnivores, subsisting on small mammals, insects, and seeds. The reproductive form is oviparous. They lay 10-30 eggs from November to April. The lifespan of an emu is said to be 20 to 30 years.
- Activity Pattern
Diurnal, mostly active during the day
Highly mobile: Walks long distances to search for food and water
Solo or in small groups: Flexible behavior patterns change depending on food and water sources
- Diet
Omnivorous: Eats grasses, leaves, fruits, seeds, insects, small animals, etc.
Feeding Method: Pecking at plants and insects from the ground
Diet changes depending on the season and region, consuming foods with high moisture content during dry periods
- Breeding and Rearing
Breeding Season: Spring to Summer
Males are responsible for incubation and rearing
After the female lays eggs, the male guards the nest and incubates them for about 8 weeks
The male continues to care for the chicks after they hatch
Breeding Characteristics: The male remains largely stationary in the nest and protects the chicks while restricting food and water
- Habitat
Adaptable to a wide range of environments, including open forests, grasslands, savannas, and shrubs.
Prefers to live near water sources, but can also live mobile in arid areas.
Requires a wide range of movement, moving in search of food and water sources.
- Adaptability
Excellent running ability: Can escape at speeds of up to 50 km/h.
High endurance: Can travel long distances even in arid areas and grasslands.
Omnivorous and adaptable, they change their survival strategies depending on the season and region.
Are there any natural enemies?
Emu’s natural enemies include dingoes and crocodiles. Therefore, chicks in particular tend to be attacked preferentially.
About Emu Chicks
Let’s take a look at emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) chicks.
- Birth
Breeding Season: Spring to Summer
Nest: Females lay eggs in shallow ground nests built by males.
Number of Eggs: Usually 8-12
Incubation Period: Eggs hatch in approximately 8 weeks.
- Growth
Immediately After Hatchlings: Approximately 30cm in length, approximately 300g in weight
Coat Color: Light brown with black stripes, similar camouflage coloring to their parents.
Rapid Activity: Begins walking and following their parents immediately after hatching.
Growth Rate: Very fast, pecking at the same food as their parents within a few weeks of birth.
- Relationship with Parents
Males are responsible for rearing: Caring for chicks, protecting them from danger, and providing nutritional guidance.
Population Movement: Chicks accompany their parents and learn to forage and find water sources.
Learning Period: Chicks learn survival skills by observing their parents’ behavior.
- Independence
Independence Period: They become independent and leave their parents at approximately 6-12 months of age.
By this time, they have acquired basic skills such as foraging, escape, and social behavior.
- Characteristics and Personality
Active and curious
Highly dependent on their male parent and highly cautious
Agile and fast, they have a high ability to escape predators.
Is the emu an endangered species?
Emu is not an endangered species. Previously, emus could be seen all over Australia. However, emus became extinct in Tasmania in the 19th century. In 1999, the emu became formally protected by the Australian government under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, making it highly protected. However, only the state of New South Wales classifies the emu as an endangered species.
- International Status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC)
Global populations are stable, and the risk of extinction is low.
- Population and Distribution
Widely distributed throughout Australia
Adapted to a wide range of environments, including forests, grasslands, and savannas
May be found near farmland and cities
- Threats
Few natural predators, and few direct threats from human activity
Traffic accidents on farmland and roads affect some areas
Low-scale habitat destruction, limiting population decline
Can emus be bred?
Emus are extremely difficult to keep. Because they travel long distances, they require quite a large amount of space, which limits the number of people who can keep them. It is appropriate to enter the zoo and see them at events. Please check the official website for details.
- Legal Status
In Australia, they are protected as wild animals.
Keeping them overseas requires permission from the national or state government.
Even in Japan and other countries, keeping them is often permitted only in zoos and designated facilities.
- Difficulties of Keeping
They are large, weighing 30-60 kg, and require a large enclosure.
They are fast runners and have good jumping ability, so their enclosure must be sturdy and high, otherwise they risk escape and injury.
They are omnivorous and eat a large amount.
They need to be fed grass, fruit, seeds, insects, etc.
Sociality: They prefer to live in groups, so keeping them alone can be stressful.
- Actual Breeding Examples
They are often kept in zoos, farms, and research facilities.
Breeding Environment: Spacious exercise areas, sturdy fences, and water sources are required.
Professional staff are responsible for diet, health, and breeding management.
Private ownership is extremely difficult due to legal, safety, and management considerations.
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