Emu

Identification

The emu is Australia's tallest native bird, standing up to 1.9 metres (6 feet 3 inches) in height, and is the third-tallest living bird globally after the African ostriches. It is the only extant member of the genus Dromaius. Emus are characterized by soft, brown feathers, a long neck, and long legs. Their wings are extremely short and largely indistinguishable from the rest of the plumage, rendering them totally useless for flight. The head and neck are mostly feathered, with only the throat and front portion of the neck being less densely covered.

Range & Habitat

The emu is endemic to Australia, with its native range covering most of the Australian mainland. However, the species has not always occupied the entire continent uniformly. Three subspecies—from Tasmania, Kangaroo Island, and King Island—became extinct following European settlement of Australia in 1788. Today, while the emu is sufficiently common to be rated as a least-concern species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, some local populations remain listed as endangered.

Behaviour & Diet

Emus are robust bipedal runners capable of traveling great distances and can sprint at speeds of 48 kilometres per hour (30 miles per hour) when necessary. The species is omnivorous, foraging on a variety of plants and insects. Remarkably, emus can survive for weeks without eating and drink infrequently, though they consume copious amounts of fresh water when available.

Breeding occurs in May and June, with fighting among females for mates being common during this period. Females can mate multiple times and lay several clutches of eggs within a single season. Males undertake the responsibility of incubating the eggs, during which they eat and drink very little and lose significant weight. The eggs hatch after approximately eight weeks, and young emus are nurtured by their fathers. They reach full size after around six months but may remain as a family unit until the next breeding season.

Best Time & Places to See It

Emus are found across most of the Australian mainland and are common enough to be encountered in their natural habitat throughout the country. The breeding season of May and June offers particular opportunities for observation, as birds are more active during this period. However, as a least-concern species, emus can be observed year-round across suitable mainland Australian habitats.

Photography Tips

The emu's impressive height, distinctive long neck and legs, and soft brown plumage make it a striking photographic subject. The bird's capacity for rapid movement—reaching 48 kilometres per hour—means photographers should be prepared for action shots. The contrast between the bird's soft feathering and its powerful legs provides good compositional opportunities. During breeding season, the more active behaviour of birds may facilitate closer observation and photography, though patience and distance are advisable when approaching wild emus.