Emus, with their awkward looks and flightless nature, are tall, leggy birds known for their friendly disposition.

There are approximately 18,000 bird species worldwide. Among them, emus – the long-legged, long-necked natives of Australia – rank as the second largest bird by height. To dive deeper into the fascinating world of emus, we spoke with Eric Slovak, assistant curator of birds at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C.

Emu vs Ostrich

Emus are ratites, large, flightless birds characterized by a solid, flat breastbone. They belong to a group of ratites found in the southern hemisphere, alongside the ostrich (Africa), the world's largest bird; the rhea (South America); the cassowary (Australia); and the kiwi (New Zealand).

Both emus and ostriches share similarities with their long legs and necks, and both are incredibly fast runners. Emus can reach speeds of up to 31 mph (50 kph). However, they differ in certain ways – for instance, emus have three toes, while the ostrich is unique in having only two toes.

Emu Wings

One major difference between the two birds is their wings. Ostriches possess long, beautiful wings that are often hidden, but they use them during courtship dances or when running at high speeds. "They can use their wings like a boat's rudder to make sharp turns," says Slovak.

These wings are essential for navigating the African terrain and evading predators. "An ostrich needs to quickly change direction when a lion is chasing it," says Slovak. In contrast, emu wings are much smaller, measuring just 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters). Emus face fewer threats from predators, as their primary threat, the dingoes, can usually be outrun, except in the case of young emus.

Emu Size

Emus generally reach a height of about 5.7 feet (1.8 meters). Male emus typically weigh between 110 and 121 pounds (50 to 55 kilograms), while females tend to be about 10 pounds (4 kilograms) heavier. Their feathers are mostly grayish-brown but brighten during certain seasons. Baby emus have striped feather patterns in black, brown, and cream, helping them blend into their grassy or leafy surroundings.

Emu Male Nesting

In the Australian winter (June, July, August), both male and female emus make deep, grunting noises. Once mating occurs and the female lays her eggs in a shallow nest made of leaves, grass, and bark, the male takes over the incubation. "Males incubate the eggs and care for the chicks entirely," says Slovak. "As a father myself, I admire this about emus."

The incubation lasts 56 days, and during this time, the male emu doesn't eat, drink, or even relieve himself. His sole focus is protecting the eggs. When the chicks hatch, he's ready to eat and then teaches them where to find food and water. The chicks are capable of eating and drinking within 24 to 48 hours of birth but usually stay with their father for about four months before venturing out on their own.

What country is the emu bird from?

Emus are native to Australia, though they may have once inhabited Tasmania or King Island. These birds are nomadic, traveling in groups known as mobs. They can be found across a wide range of habitats, from eucalyptus forests to desert shrublands and sandy plains.

Due to their wide-ranging habits, emus and farmers haven't always gotten along. In fact, in 1932, the Australian government declared war on emus – the infamous "Emu War" – attempting to reduce their numbers using grenades and machine guns. The campaign failed, with only 12 emus killed. To keep them away from grain-producing areas in southwest Australia, the government built a 1,609-mile (1,000-kilometer) fence.

Can you eat emu meat or eggs?

Yes, emu meat has long been a popular source of food in India and Australia, and emus have been farmed for their meat, oil, leather, and feathers for thousands of years. The emu egg, with its deep emerald green color and weighing between 1 to 1.5 pounds (0.4 to 0.6 kilograms), is roughly equivalent to 10 chicken eggs – certainly a gourmet treat.

Can you have an emu as a pet?

Wondering if emus make good pets? The answer depends on the person and the bird. While attacks on humans are rare and fatalities even less so, emus are large and powerful, with three-toed, clawed feet capable of injuring even large animals. They are friendly and curious, but should be treated with care and respect. Emus require ample space to roam, sturdy fencing (5 to 6 feet high), a proper diet (commercial ratite pellets), appropriate winter housing, and regular veterinary care. As Slovak puts it, "All birds have their unique personalities just like humans do."

A prime example of this is Darwin, an emu who lived at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Darwin, who passed away in 2018 due to illness, had a long and happy life at the zoo, where he was well-cared for, according to Slovak.

"Darwin wasn't motivated by food," Slovak shares. "He didn’t care whether you had treats for him or not; he simply wanted to be your friend. Darwin adored people. Whenever visitors came to the exhibit, he was inquisitive, always eager to see what they were doing. Whether you were mowing the lawn, cleaning the pool, or changing the straw, he wanted to be right there with you."