Emus are the second-largest living birds on the planet. Despite their impressive size and sometimes aggressive demeanor, the definitive answer is that emus do not spit. This large, flightless bird, native to Australia, has evolved an anatomy and defense strategy that does not include the projectile expulsion of saliva or stomach contents, unlike animals such as the camel or llama.
The Definitive Answer: Emu Physiology and Oral Behavior
The inability of the emu to spit is rooted in its avian digestive anatomy. The bird’s throat and esophagus are structured primarily for the rapid ingestion of food and water, routing materials quickly toward the proventriculus and gizzard. There is no muscular mechanism or specialized cavity designed to forcibly project material from the mouth.
Emus consume water quickly, sometimes resulting in a slight, non-aggressive spray if they abruptly shake their heads. Their gastrointestinal tract is relatively short, optimized for a high rate of passage. This design prioritizes swallowing and digestion, preventing the reverse-force expulsion of liquids or food. Furthermore, the lack of a defined crop in the upper esophagus limits the possibility of regurgitating material on demand.
Vocalizations That Might Be Confused with Spitting
Public confusion about emu spitting likely stems from their powerful and sometimes startling vocalizations. Emus, particularly the females, produce a deep, resonant sound described as “booming” or “drumming,” especially during the breeding season. This sound is generated by a specialized anatomical feature in their neck called the tracheal pouch, which functions as a resonating chamber.
The pouch is a membranous sac that bulges outwards from the cartilaginous tracheal rings. When the bird forces air from its lungs, the pouch inflates and vibrates, creating the low-frequency, far-reaching sound. This forceful expulsion of air, combined with the visible movement of the neck sac, can be visually mistaken for gagging or preparation for spitting. Males produce a softer, lower-pitched grunting noise. These vocalizations are used for long-distance communication and courtship, relying entirely on air pressure and vibration within the respiratory system, producing no liquid discharge.
Defensive Actions: What Emus Do Instead
When an emu feels threatened, its primary response is evasion or aggressive defense, not spitting. As highly cursorial birds, they are built for speed and can rapidly accelerate to sustained running speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. Their long, powerful legs are the engine behind this speed, enabling sustained sprints across open terrain.
If cornered or protecting young, emus use their legs as formidable weapons. They deliver powerful, forward-facing kicks, capable of inflicting serious injury due to their strong leg muscles and the sharp claws on their three-toed feet. This physical action is the emu’s ultimate aggressive defense strategy.