Emu Facts
- The most frequently used, and surprisingly simple, term for this extraordinary product of Nature and evolution is that of the Emu. For the moment, this amazing avian has no other broadly accepted general title. Though certainly not unknown, it’s unusual.
- Those within the scientific community, however, typically employ a far different name for the creature. That tag, though, is somewhat difficult for the layperson to pronounce. That’s because it holds the technical moniker Dromaius novaehollandiae.
- The bird received that designation due to the efforts of John Latham. The respected English naturalist accomplished the first recognition of the animal as a separate and distinct species. He achieved that scientifically noteworthy deed in the year 1790.
- This fabulous species holds several claims to fame. This holds true, in part, due to the fact that it represents the second-tallest of all known extant birds. It’s also the largest bird native to its region of the earth, and the only surviving member of its Genus.
- In the past, the population of the awesome Emu plummeted, largely due to several forms of interference from man. Thankfully, however, it eventually became a protected species. SInce then, its numbers have returned to a reasonably stable point.
- The IUCN therefore currently lists it as Least Concern. It nevertheless still faces several potential threats to its continued existence. Most of those, once again, stem from the actions of man. They include habitat loss and the effects of climate change.
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Emu Physical Description
The extraordinary Emu never fails to amaze those fortunate enough to encounter this wonder of Nature in the wild. It does so due to both its distinctive appearance and sheer size. It’s the second of these, however, that typically earns it the most most respect.
In that regard, though, it follows a pattern common to many of its kindred around the globe. That’s in the fact that it displays a certain amoun of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In its specific case, that trait manifest itelf in terms of pure dimensions.
More precisely, females generally attain a greater size than their male counterparts. That further holds true in several respects. The overall gender-based difference isn’t extreme, however. This often makes distinguishing the sexes visually difficult for the untrained.
When measured from the bill to the tail, males average about 58.5 in (1.49 m). Females, meanwhile, reach a mean length here equaling approximately 61.7 in (1.57 m). In height, exceptional individuals of both sexes sometimesreach as much as 59 – 75 in (1.5 – 1.9 m).
Body weights also vary significanly between specimens, regardless of gender. This ranges from as little as 40 lb (18.1 kg ) to as much as 132 lb (59.9 kg). Averages, however, equal roughly 69 lb (31.5 kg ) for males and 82 lb (37 kg) for females, who also have wider rumps.
The Emu possesses vestigial wings only. Remarkably, each of these displays a sharp claw at the tip. The species is also renowned for its long neck and long, powerful legs. The feet of the animal have three toes, with each of these in turn having sharp, powerful claws.
The amazing creature also displays a fascinating pattern of coloring. The majority of its plumage presents as a grayish-brown, and gives a shaggy apperance. Yet, the tips and shafts of each feather is black. The neck, though, shows pale blue, and is lightly feathered.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Casuariformes
- Family: Casuaridae
- Genus: Doramaius
- Species: D. novaeholiandiae
Emu Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The incredible Emu evolved as endemic to only a limited portion of the surface of the earth. Given its distinctive nature, however, the location of that zone of habitation likely won’t surprise anyone. That’s because it’s native to the beautiful continent of Australia.
It also once inhabited the island of Tasmania. Today, however, it only appears on the mainland of the country. The animal disappeared from the island portion of its territory shortly after the arrival of European explorers. It’s not known if it ever lived anywhere else.
The animal has proven itself to be moderately flexible in terms of its habitat choices, at best. It most frequently inhabits regions of savannah woodlands. After that, it seems to prefer areas of vegetation adapted to prolonged periods of heat and arid conditions.
Despite this, however, the intrepid mammal continues to live across much of the continent. Though it does not do so in the numbers it once did, it still appears on much of the east coast. Elsewhere, it’s seen in a variety of regions, including the Snowy Mountains.
Like many of its relatives, the Emu also evolved as primarily diurnal in its behavior patterns. It thus spends much of its day either resting or looking for food. The animal additionally typically lives in small, loosely organized groups, being somewhat gregarious in nature.
The large avian feeds as an omnivorous species. The diet itself often varies with the seasonal availability of food sources. It eats a wide variety of plants, both native and introduced species. It also consumes insects and other arthropods, such as grasshoppers and beetles.
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