The Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae
which, in Latin, means "fast-footed New Hollander",
referring to Australia, whose old name was New Holland) is the
largest bird native to Australia and, after the Ostrich, the second-largest
bird that survives today. It inhabits most of the less-populated
areas of the continent, avoiding only dense forest and severe
desert. Like all birds in the Ratite group, it is flightless,
although unlike some it does have tiny wings hidden under the
feathers. The soft-feathered, brown birds reach 1.5 to 2 metres
in height and weigh up to 60 kilograms, with the male marginally
smaller. Emus are opportunistically nomadic and follow rain, feeding
on grains, flowers, fruit, soft shoots, insects, grubs, and whatever
else is available. They are able to travel great distances at
a fast, economical trot and, if need be, can sprint at 50 km/h.
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Three different
emu species were common prior to European settlement in 1788:
The Emu, Dromaius novaehollandiae, remains common in most of the
more lightly settled parts of mainland Australia. Overall population
varies from decade to decade according to rainfall; as low as
200,000 and as high as a million, but a typical figure is about
half a million individuals. Although no longer found in the densely
settled southern and south-western agricultural areas, the provision
of permanent stock water in arid regions has allowed the mainland
species to extend its range.
Above Images From The Courtesy of The USDA
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