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Emu
Emu
A large running bird, along with a kangaroo, is depicted on the coat of arms of Australia.
Type: Chordates
Class: Birds
Order: Cassowaries
Family: Emu
Genus: Emu
Species: Emu
General Settings
  • Emu is common in Australia.
  • Body length-150-190 cm.
  • Weight – 30-35 kg.
  • Emus ear fruits, roots, grass and other plant food, insects.
  • Life expectancy in captivity is up to 30 years.

Emus are relatives of cassowaries, the second largest bird after the ostrich. They reach the height of the average height of a person. The wings are underdeveloped, as in all non-flying keelless birds, up to 25 cm long. Soft brownish-gray feathers that help with camouflage and regulate body temperature. Representatives of both sexes are equally colored.


Social behavior


Groups of 7-10 individuals can stay together for a long time and roam in search of food, they lead a sedentary lifestyle only during nesting. Communication takes place with the help of loud, staccato sounds, resembling something between a grunt and the rumble of a drum. Good eyesight and hearing help them feel danger in distance.


Reproduction


Emus nest in the Australian autumn. The nest is a hole in the ground, covered with dry leaves and grass. The female lays 7-8 eggs. In the masonry, there are up to 25 pieces. Only the male builds the nest and incubates the chicks for 56-66 days. When the chicks hatch, the caring father takes careful care of them and protects them from danger. The chicks are striped. They grow quickly. The father takes care of them for 5-7 months.


Species and people


In Australia, the emu is a common species and it is not threatened with extinction. The number is controlled. The area in the country is allocated for agricultural land, but the number of animals is not particularly affected by changes in the habitat.


Interesting Facts


The bird is unusual in several ways:

Runs fast, reaches speed up to 50 km/h.

Steps up to 3 meters.

The eye is the same size as the brain.

No teeth, so it swallows stones that help in the digestion of food.

Current status in wildlife
  • Not
    evaluated
    NE
  • Data
    deficient
    DD
  • Data
    deficient
    lc
  • near
    threatened
    NT
  • vulnerable
    vu
  • endangered
    en
  • critically
    endangered
    cr
  • extinct
    in the wild
    ew
  • Extinct
    ex
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