Dromaiidae - Emus

Emus are found in a variety of habitats including dry plains and lightly forested woodlands. Emus have powerful legs, long necks, round heads, small wings, and shaggy gray feathers.

Emus move from place to place in search of food. They eat insects, grass, leaves, berries, flowers, fruit, and seeds.

The female emu lays 5-20 eggs in a nest on the ground. The male incubates the eggs for 8-10 weeks and raises the chicks. The chicks may stay with their father for up to two years.

Dromaiidae Photo Gallery

World Status Key
Least Concern Near Threatened Vulnerable Endangered Critically Endangered Extinct in Wild Extinct
Status and range is taken from ICUN Redlist. If no status is listed, there is not enough data to establish status.

US Status Key
Threatened in US Threatened in NH Endangered in US Endangered in NH Introduced
Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife and NH Fish and Game

Other Species Around the World
Africa Asia Australia/Oceania Europe North/Central America South America NH Species
King Island Emu - Dromaius ater Kangaroo Island Emu - Dromaius baudinianus		Emu - Dromaius novaehollandiae

Additional Information

Key: Profile Photos Video Audio

Emu - Dromaius novaehollandiae
The emu is an omnivore.
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

Emu - Dromaius novaehollandiae
The emu has tiny wings.
Source: Animal Diversity Web Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School