- Dromaius novaehollandiae
Identification
Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)
Identification: Unmistakable ostrich-like bird, very familiar in Australia. Plumage varies from pale greyish-brown to brownish-black with blue-skinned neck. Juvenile is pale brown boldly striped with darker brown or black. Height 5.5 ft (1.7 m).
Range: Found over most of mainland Australia except rainforests, the driest deserts and urban areas, absent from much of the east coast. Extinct as a wild bird in Tasmania but has been reintroduced to Maria Island. Mainly resident but nomadic in drier parts of range and makes regular migratory movements in some areas, particularly the west where moves south-westwards in spring.
Habitat: Open plains, scrubland and coastal heath, semi-desert, open woodland and cultivated land. Common over much of range and easily seen in many protected areas.
Voice: A variety of growling, drumming and whistling sounds.
Breeding: Breeds in winter, eggs laid in April-May and season continues until September-October. Nest is a scrape in the ground or an area of trampled grass lined with leaves and bark usually near a tree or bush. Eggs: 7-11, rarely 5-20 dark green with granulated shell (134 x 83mm). Male incubates for about 48 days and tends young for up to 18 months.
Diet: Herbs and grasses, particularly fruits, flowers and seed-heads. Also eats insects and other invertebrates.
Subspecies: Race rothschildi occurs in south-west Australia and woodwardi in the north-west and north with nominate in remainder of range.
