Emu

Overview

The second-largest living bird, a tall flightless bird with shaggy gray-brown plumage, strong long legs and a curious, docile nature.

History & Origin

The Emu occurs naturally in Australia. Ratites are a group of flightless, mostly large birds — ostrich, emu, rhea, cassowary and kiwi. They evolved on Southern Hemisphere continents: ostriches in Africa, emus and cassowaries in Australia and New Guinea, rheas in South America and kiwis in New Zealand, occupying open savanna, scrubland, forest and grassland.

Appearance & Size

It is a Large (150-190cm, 30-45kg) bird. As ratites they share a flat, keel-less breastbone (the name means 'raft-like'), powerful legs built for running or scratching, and reduced or absent flight feathers. They range from the chicken-sized kiwi to the ostrich — the tallest and heaviest living bird.

Temperament & Behavior

Most ratites are wary, fast-running and inclined to flee; ostriches and cassowaries can be formidable if cornered or during breeding. They are not typical companion animals and are kept mainly on farms, in zoos and by specialist breeders.

Care & Husbandry

Ratites are largely herbivorous and omnivorous, grazing grasses and leaves, browsing shoots, and taking seeds, fruits, insects and small animals when available. Farmed birds receive balanced ratite feed with access to pasture. Keeping ratites needs large, secure, species-appropriate enclosures with strong perimeter fencing, shelter from heat and cold, and predator-proof cover for smaller species. They require expert husbandry and are unsuitable for casual keepers.

Health & Lifespan

Watch for leg and foot injuries, tendon and joint disorders from hard ground, crop impaction, parasites and chick nutritional problems. In care they commonly live 10-20 years, with ostriches often longer.

Popularity & Recognition

The ostrich is the largest living bird and lays the largest egg of any living animal; ratites are an ancient flightless lineage important in agriculture, conservation and aviculture worldwide.