The Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)
Emus are the second largest flightless bird, after the ostrich. However, though they are flightless and have tiny wings, they still have found a use for them by stretching their small wings in order to allow for airflow around their body to help cool themselves. They also can use their small wings to help steer themselves as they run.
At top speeds, they have been clocked as fast as 30 mph (50 kph).
Although well known to live in Australia, they can also be found in New Guinea, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, and the Philippines. Although, only the emus in Australia were the ones involved in the Great Emu War against Australians. Over 600 places are named after emus in Australia.
Emu mating pairs stay together for about 5 months, during which time the female lays emerald green eggs and leaves them for the male to tend to, while she finds another male to mate with. Females will mate with multiple males within a season. Meanwhile, the males will incubate the eggs for 7 weeks without eating, drinking, defecating, or leaving the nest at all. The chicks will remain with their father for about 4-7 months, until they are able to feed on their own. However, sometimes females will lose their mate to another female while they are out frolicking with other males, so sometimes they will guard their male mates and keep other females away to ensure that the males incubate their nest.
Females are larger than males and make large, booming noises. Males will sometimes make a call resembling “e-moo” which can be heard for long distances. They have this ability to communicate by using an inflatable neck sack, and can create sounds loud enough to be heard 2 km away.
Now for some other assorted fun facts about emus!
They have two sets of eyelids, one for blinking, the other for keeping dust out from their eyes.
An emu’s body contains 3 gallons (13.6 liters) of oil, which is collected and used in lotions, soaps, shampoo, and health care products.
Emus are good swimmers and don’t mind taking a dip in a pond or lake.
The first occurrence of identical bird twins was discovered in the emu.
During courtship, the emu male and female participate in a dance consisting of struts and snake-like head movements. If a male makes the wrong move, the female can become aggressive and change her mind on courting him.
Images: 1(Photo by JARMAN Gill), 2, 3
Speaking of emus swimming, here’s a little video of it that I came across:
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