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Dromaiidae - Emus

 

Classification

 Phylum: Chordata
 Class: Aves
 Order: Struthioniformes
 Family: Dromaiidae

EmuEmus are large, flightless, ostrich-like birds. They are the largest bird found in Australia and the second largest bird in the world. They are around 6 feet tall and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hours.

Emus are found in a variety of habitats including dry plains and lightly forested woodlands. Emus have powerful legs, long necks, round heads, small wings, and shaggy gray feathers.

Emus move from place to place in search of food. They eat insects, grass, leaves, berries, flowers, fruit, and seeds.

The female emu lays 5-20 eggs in a nest on the ground. The male incubates the eggs for 8-10 weeks and raises the chicks. The chicks may stay with their father for up to two years.

galleryDromaiidae Photo Gallery

World Status Key
Least ConcernLeast Concern Near ThreatenedNear Threatened VulnerableVulnerable EndangeredEndangered Critically EndangeredCritically Endangered extinct in the wildExtinct in Wild extinctExtinct
Status and range is taken from ICUN Redlist. If no status is listed, there is not enough data to establish status.

US Status Key
Threatened in US Threatened in US Threatened in New Hampshire Threatened in NH Endangered in US Endangered in US Endangered in NH Endangered in NH Introduced Introduced
Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife and NH Fish and Game

  New Hampshire Species

 

 North/Central American Species

None
  None

Other Species Around the World

Africa Africa Asia Asia Australia Australia/Oceania Europe Europe North America North/Central America South America South America New Hampshire Species NH Species

King Island Emu - Dromaius ater extinct Australia
Kangaroo Island Emu - Dromaius baudinianus extinct Australia
  Emu - Dromaius novaehollandiae Least Concern Australia

Additional Information

Key: profile Profile Photos Photos Video Video Audio Audio

Emu - Dromaius novaehollandiae profile Photos Video Least Concern Australia
The emu is an omnivore.
Source:
Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

Emu - Dromaius novaehollandiae profile Photos Least Concern Australia
The emu has tiny wings.
Source:
Animal Diversity Web Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School