7 Unknown and Fascinating Facts About Emus
April 25, 2023
By Shreesha Ghosh
Image source: Pexels
What exactly is an emu?
Emus are flightless birds belonging to a group called ratites, which are the most primitive modern birds. This group also includes kiwis, ostriches, cassowaries and rheas. These birds are only found in the southern hemisphere.
Image source: Pexels
Speed and Agility
Have you seen an emu run? They are really fast and can escape trouble easily. They have good eyesight and are agile. They use their heavy feet and nails to defend themselves. To know more fun facts about them, keep reading!
Image source: Pexels
Second-Largest Bird
The emu is the second-largest living bird in the world, while the ostrich is the largest.
Image source: Pixabay
Double-Shafted Feathers
Emu feathers have a unique double-shafted design, unlike most birds that have one feather per follicle. Each individual feather has a simple and loose structure.
Image source: Pixabay
Mating calls heard from 2kms away
Emus use a throat pouch to make booming grunting sounds during courtship and breeding seasons. These calls can be heard up to two kilometres away, making them hard to miss.
Image source: Pexels
Strong Kicks, Better Defense
Emus have three forward-facing toes on each foot that help them grip the ground and move forward quickly. Their strong kick is also a useful defense mechanism against predators.
Image source: Pexels
Where do they live?
The natural habitat of emus is primarily in Australia, however, these birds can also be found in regions such as New Guinea, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, and the Philippines.
Image source: Pexels
Surprisingly long lifespan
Emus can live up to 35 years in zoos and 10–20 years in the wild, which is longer than you might expect.
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