Emu

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

Australia's largest native bird, the Emu stands up to 1.9 metres tall and weighs up to 47 kilograms. This flightless giant possesses a bulky body covered in shaggy, drooping grey-brown feathers with a unique double-shafted structure, creating a dishevelled, hair-like appearance. The long, slender neck and head are sparsely feathered, often revealing patches of pale blue skin. It features large dark eyes, a powerful grey-black bill, and robust legs ending in three forward-facing toes. While sexes are similar, females are generally larger and develop darker plumage on the head and neck during the breeding season. Juveniles are distinguished by striking longitudinal cream and blackish-brown stripes. Vocalisations are deep and resonant; females produce far-carrying booming or drumming notes using an inflatable neck sac, while males typically emit low, guttural grunts. Primarily diurnal and nomadic, Emus travel vast distances across the interior to follow seasonal rains. They are powerful runners, capable of reaching speeds of nearly 50 km/h with a long, bouncy stride. Foraging in pairs or small family groups, they consume a diverse diet of seeds, fruits, insects, and herbs. Notably, the male alone incubates the large green eggs for approximately eight weeks and raises the chicks. Emus range widely across mainland Australia, inhabiting open woodlands, grasslands, semi-arid shrublands, mallee, and agricultural landscapes, though they avoid dense rainforests. The only similar species is the Southern Cassowary of North Queensland, which is easily distinguished by its glossy black plumage, prominent bony head casque, and vibrant red and blue neck skin.

Description · BirdUp · CC BY-SA 4.0

1. 01

   Pale blue skin on head and neck

   Exposed through sparse, dark bristle-like feathers, especially on the face and throat; distinctly pale, not vibrant.

2. 02

   Shaggy, hair-like body plumage

   Grey-brown feathers appear dishevelled and coarse due to their unique double-shafted structure, giving an unkempt look.

3. 03

   Head smoothly rounded, lacking casque or crest

   Unlike its closest relatives, the head is uniform without any bony protrusions.

4. 04

   Tiny, inconspicuous wings

   Extremely reduced and almost entirely hidden within the body plumage, giving a virtually wingless impression.