What is an Emu?

Emu is the second largest bird on earth, standing around 6 ft tall and weighing 120.-150 pounds as adults. The emu is a member of a family of flightless birds called Ratites. It is one of the oldest living beings on the planet outside the ocean. Research suggests they have been on earth in their present form for some 80 million years and evolved from a line of feathered dinosaurs that go back hundreds of millions of years. Emu are native to Australia.

The word Ratite is derived from a Latin word meaning flat or raft-like. It refers to the unique flat shape of their breastbone. This structure is an indication that these birds were never on an evolutionary path towards flight and never developed the keel bone structure and breast muscles of a winged bird. Other Ratites are the Ostrich from South Africa, the Rhea and Tinamou from South America, the Kiwi from New Zealand and the Cassowary from Australia.

Emu have basically docile and inquisitive natures. Their main defense is their speed – adults have been clocked at up to 40 miles an hour in bursts and able to maintain an average of 30 miles an hour over long distances. When cornered an emu can use its powerful legs and dinosaur like feet to kick.