Emu

Scientific name Dromaius novaehollandiae NT Conservation Status
Distribution map	Head and body Up to 1.9m tall Weight 18-60 kg Length 1.39-1.64m Factsheet Emu PDF (610.9 KB)

Identification

Large unmistakable soft-feathered, brown, flightless bird with long thin neck and legs.

Behaviour

They are opportunistically nomadic and may travel long distances to find food; they feed on a variety of plants and insects. Females are usually larger than males.

Reproduction

After mating, females leave the males to incubate up to 11 eggs for 56 days. At hatching, chicks are about 20cm tall, striped and stay with the males for 7 months for protection..

Habit

Emus live in most habitats across Australia, but most common in areas of open forest and savannah woodland.

Threats

Vehicles, fire, feral dogs, feral pigs, humans