Dromiceius novaehollandiae
Range
They are found throughout Australia.
Habitat
They live on the dry plains, woodlands and on farms.
Body Traits
They can be up to 6 feet tall. They are the tallest bird in Australia and the second tallest bird in the world (only ostriches are taller). They have strong legs for running up to 50 km per hour.
Habits
Emus wander widely throughout their habitat looking for water. They can run up to 30 miles per hour. They live either alone, in pairs or in small groups. Females pick their mate and seem to rule over the males. They live 5-10 years in the wild.
Diet
Emus eat leaves, grass, fruit, and insects, changing with what is there in each season. In spring and summer they eat flowers and seeds. In the winter they eat plants and they eat insects any time.
Reproduction
When a female emu finds a partner, they build a nest of grass on the ground in May – June. The female lays 5-20 dark green eggs. Then she leaves both the eggs and her mate and doesn’t come back. It is the male’s job to care for the eggs and then the hatched baby emus. They will stay with their father for up to 2 years.
Classification
- Domain: Eukarya
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Subphylum: Vetebrata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Struthioniformes
- Family: Casuariidae
- Genus: Dromaius
- Species: D. novaehollandiae