The World's Second Largest Bird Species

The emu ('eem-you') is the largest bird in Australia and the second largest bird in the world. An emu can grow up to 2 m (over 6 ft) tall. They have very small wings so they are unable to fly but they have very long and powerful legs and can run at up to 50 km/h (30 mph).

Emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) are found throughout Australia. They are able to survive in extreme conditions because of their ability to eat a wide variety of plants and insects and because of their protective, coarse and thick feathers.

After mating and building a nest, the female emu lays a clutch of large, dark green eggs. The female then leaves the male emu to incubate the eggs and care for the chicks. Young emus will stay with the father for up to two years.