Emus are native to Australia. They are the largest native bird on the continent and can be found across many parts of the country.
Where Emus Are Found
Emus inhabit most of the Australian mainland. They generally avoid only the densest rainforests and highly urbanized areas, preferring open plains, woodlands, grasslands, and semi-arid regions. Their nomadic behavior allows them to move across vast distances in search of food and water. Populations can fluctuate depending on rainfall and resource availability.
Emu Characteristics and Behavior
Emus stand between 1.6 to 1.9 meters (5.2 to 6.2 feet) tall and weigh around 30 to 55 kilograms (66 to 121 pounds). Their bodies are covered in shaggy, grey-brown feathers, and their long necks often display patches of bare, bluish-black skin. Emus possess powerful legs that allow them to sprint at speeds up to 50 kilometers per hour (31 miles per hour) and cover considerable distances.
These birds are omnivores, consuming a varied diet that adapts to seasonal availability. Their diet includes seeds, fruits, flowers, and shoots from various plants, as well as insects like grasshoppers, beetles, and spiders. Emus swallow small pebbles to help grind food in their gizzards, aiding digestion. They communicate through distinctive calls; females produce deep booming sounds audible up to two kilometers away, especially during breeding season, while males and chicks may grunt or whistle. Emus are generally solitary, but they may form larger temporary groups when migrating or searching for abundant food.
Emus in the Wild
Emus play an integral role within Australia’s diverse ecosystems. As the second-largest living bird by height globally, they are a prominent part of the country’s natural heritage. Their widespread presence and resilience in the wild are supported by a stable population, estimated to be between 625,000 and 725,000 individuals.
Their omnivorous diet, particularly their consumption of fruits and seeds, makes them important agents for seed dispersal. Emus can transport viable seeds over long distances, contributing to the maintenance of plant communities and biodiversity across fragmented landscapes. These birds are also a natural component of the food web, though adult emus have few natural predators aside from dingoes and wedge-tailed eagles. Emus are protected under federal legislation, reinforcing their significance as a native species in Australia.