RANGE
Australia

HABITAT
Grasslands

SIZE
Height: Average 5 – 6 feet tall
Weight: approximately 100 pounds.

LIFE EXPECTANCY
Data Not Available

DIET
Wild: Grass, herbs and some fruit
Zoo: Grazing on local grasses, pelleted grain, alfalfa, assorted vegetables and fruit.

BEHAVIOR
Emus are fast runners and expert swimmers.

REPRODUCTION
Eggs are laid in the summer (December – April) Incubation last 1 – 2 months. Eggs are dark green to black and nearly 5 inches long. About 12 eggs per clutch seems to be the average. Males sit on the eggs until they hatch. The nest is flat and made of leaves and grass.

POINTS OF INTEREST
Ranchers do not care for Emus because they are considered competition with cattle. They are also known to knock down fences. In South Australia, an Emu-proof fence nearly 500 miles long is maintained in an attempt to restrict the birds, and warden police the barrier in vehicles. Emu quickly loose their fear of humans and can be dangerous because their strong kick which can break a man’s leg. The males and females are hard to tell apart. Size and coloration are the same. They have rudimentary wings. The bills are broad and compressed. The head and neck are covered with feathers.

STATUS
least concern