The Emu is a large flightless bird endemic to Australia, characterized by soft grayish-brown feathers, a long neck, and powerful legs adapted for fast running; it can reach a height between 150 and 190 cm, making it the second tallest living bird after the ostrich. The Emu’s plumage is insulating, and these birds have an efficient respiratory system and blood circulation adapted to arid conditions, allowing them to thrive in diverse habitats, from grasslands and steppes to semi-desert areas with variable climate.
Habits
They are nomadic birds, not migratory in the classical sense, but move long distances depending on food and water availability; they feed during the day, foraging through grass, leaves, seeds, insects, and occasionally small reptiles, and can run at speeds up to 48 km/h to escape predators.
Reproduction
Mating occurs in spring-summer, after which the female lays an average of 8-12 greenish-brown eggs in a nest dug by the male; incubation lasts approximately 56 days and is carried out almost exclusively by the male, who does not leave the nest throughout the brooding period.
Distribution
Emus are distributed across mainland Australia, from plains to low mountainous areas, being absent from Tasmania and tropical rainforests; they adapt to open and semi-arid habitats, and their population density varies according to climatic conditions and local resources.
