The world is home to an extraordinary array of bird species, including several avian giants. These large birds showcase diverse evolutionary paths and impressive stature. This prompts curiosity about which bird ranks among the very largest.
The World’s Second Largest Bird
The Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) holds the distinction of being the second largest living bird globally. This flightless bird is endemic to Australia, where it is also the tallest native avian species. Its size positions it just behind the largest bird.
Understanding Avian Scale
When discussing avian “biggest,” metrics typically refer to height or weight, especially for flightless birds. The Emu generally stands between 1.5 to 1.9 meters (4.9 to 6.2 feet) tall. Its weight can range from approximately 18 to 60 kilograms (40 to 132 pounds), with females often being slightly heavier than males.
The Ostrich (Struthio camelus), recognized as the world’s largest bird, significantly surpasses the Emu in size. Male Ostriches can reach heights of 2.1 to 2.75 meters (6 feet 11 inches to 9 feet) and weigh between 100 to 130 kilograms (220 to 290 pounds). Both species belong to a group of flightless birds called ratites, known for their large size and powerful legs.
Life and Habits of the Emu
Emus are commonly found across most of mainland Australia, adapting to various climates and landscapes, including open plains, woodlands, and even semi-arid regions. They are omnivorous, consuming a varied diet that changes with the seasons. Their food sources include seeds, fruits, flowers, young shoots, and insects like caterpillars, beetles, and grasshoppers. Emus are also known to swallow small stones, which aid in their digestion.
Emus possess distinctive physical characteristics. Their bodies are covered in shaggy, grey-brown to black feathers, and their long necks often display bluish-black skin. They have greatly reduced wings, which are not suitable for flight, but their powerful, three-toed legs allow them to run at speeds up to 48 kilometers per hour (30 miles per hour). This speed is a primary defense mechanism against predators.
The reproductive behaviors of Emus involve a unique parental care system. After the female lays a clutch of five to fifteen dark green eggs in a ground nest, she typically leaves. The male Emu then assumes sole responsibility for incubating the eggs for approximately eight weeks, rarely eating or drinking during this period. After the chicks hatch, the male continues to protect and guide them for several months, teaching them how to find food and avoid dangers.