1-2 during the Winter
5-20 during the breeding season
Name of Young
- Emus are the world’s third heaviest bird. They live in the scrublands and grasslands of south eastern Australia. They are unable to fly, but are very fast runners and may reach 31 mph.
- Female emus are slightly larger than the males and they make different vocalizations. Females are also more aggressive than males and will fight over them during the breeding season.
- The vocalizations made by male and female emus are different. Females can inflate a sac in their neck to make a booming noise. This can be heard over a mile away. Males can only make grunting noises
- Emus have very good eyesight and hearing. This helps them detect nearby predators such as dingos or eagles.
- Emus are members of the ratite family. Ratites are flightless running birds, and they are considered the most primitive of modern birds.
Did You Know?
Female emus lay 5-20 eggs at a time. The eggs are dark green with thick shells and weigh 1.5-2 lbs. After the eggs are laid, female have little to do with them. Males build the nests, incubate and protect the eggs, and care for the chicks.