| Range: |
Australia |
| Habitat: |
Plains, scrub, open woodlands, coastal heath, alpine pastures, semi-desert |
| Conservation Status: |
Common |
| Scientific Name: |
Dromaius novaehollandiae |
Emus are large shaggy birds with loose double feathers that hang
limply from their bodies. These large flightless birds have easily
adapted to all types of Australian habitats, including woodlands,
plains and even suburbs. Females lay nine to 20 emerald-green
eggs in spring, and the aggressive males incubate the eggs and rear the
chicks. Chicks are striped with black, brown and cream, so they are
well-camouflaged in long grass. Emus eat fruit, flowers and
insects, and will sometimes migrate great distances in search of food
and water. These hardy birds have actually benefitted from the creation
of watering holes for Australia's domestic livestock. In cereal-growing
areas of the country, farmers even consider emus to be pests. Did You Know?Male emus are fully responsible for egg incubation and chick rearing.
|
