|
Emu
|
|
Dromaius
noveahollandiae
|
|
Australia
|
Measurements
Diet
They take the parts of plants that have the most concentrated nutrients: seeds, fruits, flowers and young shoots. They also eat insects and small vertebrates when they are easily available, but in the wild they do not eat dry grasses or mature leaves even if they are all that is available. Emus ingest large pebbles--up to 1.6 ounces--to help their gizzards grind up food.Identification
This flightless bird, native to Australia, has powerful eyesight and keen hearing. Its strong legs can cover three metres in a single stride - the emu can travel at speeds up to 50 kilometres an hour.}Behaviour
They take their name from the call of the male which sounds like "e-moo".
Distribution & Habitat
It lives in eucalypt woodland, heathland and desert shrublands and sandplains.Reproduction
The emu lives 5-10 years, and longer in captivity. When eggs are fresh, they are dark green, but become almost black with time.Conservation
Currently not threatened