Emu
Dromaius novaehollandiae
The emu is the largest bird in Australia growing up to 2 metres tall.
They are flightless with very small wings, relying on their elongated legs and 3 toed feet to reach speeds up to 50km/hr. They have double shafted feathers which give them a shaggy appearance.
Emus live in a variety of habitats within Australia, however, they are usually absent from dense rainforest.
WHAT THEY EAT
Emus feed on a variety of seeds, grasses, flowers, nuts, insects and even animal droppings. They will occasionally swallow small stones to aid in digestion. They can travel up to 25km a day in search of food and water.
BREEDING
Breeding season is from April to November involving a 5-month partnership between the male and female. This includes courtship, nest building and egg laying. Females lay between 6-11 eggs; the male then incubates them and is the sole carer until they reach 2 years of age
