The Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)
The soft-feathered, brown, flightless birds reach up to 2 metres ( ft) in height. They have long thin necks and legs. Emus can travel great distances at a fast, economical trot and, if necessary, can sprint at 50 km/h (31 mph) for some distance at a time. Their long legs allow them to take strides of up to 275 centimetres ( ft) They are opportunistically nomadic and may travel long distances to find food; they feed on a variety of plants and insects, but have been known to go weeks without food. They also ingest stones, glass shards and bits of metal that help squash food in the digestive system. They drink infrequently, often once every day or two, and ingest copious fluids when the opportunity arises. Emus will sit in water and are also able to swim. They are curious and nosy animals who are known to follow and watch other animals and humans. Emus do not sleep continuously at night but in several short stints sitting down. Emus are large birds. The largest can reach up to 150 to 190 centimetres (59–75 in) in height, 1 to metres (– ft) at the shoulder. Emus weigh between 18 and 55 kilograms (40 and 121 lb). Females are usually larger than males by a small amount, but substantially wider across the rump.
Size: 6048px × 4032px
Location: Audubon Zoo Louisiana, USA
Photo credit: © Richard Higgins / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: bird, birds, color, colorful, colour, colourful, emu, large, nature, wildlife
