Emu Emu

1. Shaggy grey-brown feathers with bluish-black skin on the neck and head.

2. Tall stature with reduced wings hidden under plumage.

3. Three-toed feet leaving large, distinct tracks.

Emus are omnivorous, feeding on seeds, fruits, flowers, insects, and small animals. They can travel up to 15 miles (25 kilometers) a day searching for food. Breeding occurs in winter when males incubate clutches of 5–15 dark green eggs for about eight weeks without eating or drinking, losing significant body weight in the process. After hatching, males care for the striped chicks for several months until they become independent.

Emus are highly adaptable and inhabit diverse environments ranging from coastal woodlands to arid plains and alpine regions. They avoid dense forests and urban areas but thrive in open spaces with access to water. Look for them at dawn or dusk near paddocks or where vegetation changes, often following well-trodden paths to feeding grounds. Their presence can also be identified by their large three-toed footprints or droppings.

Emus have been integral to Australian ecosystems for millions of years and feature prominently in first nations stories, ceremonies, and astronomy such as the Emu in the Sky constellation.