Emus | Facts & Information

Origin

The first encounter with European explorers took place in 1696 on the coast of Western Australia and then in 1788 when the first European settlement took place.

The first description was published by Arthur Philip in 1789. In Latin the emu bird was called "quick-footed". The origin of the word Emu is uncertain, it is believed to come from Arabic, a word associated with large birds.

Another theory is that it comes from the Portuguese word "ema" used to describe a similar bird. The emu bird was also known as" murawung "or" birabayin", a name given by the Australian inhabitants.

Feeding The Emu Bird

Emu is a forage bird. They eat a variety of plant species, many of which depend on the season. It also feeds on grasshoppers, crickets, smaller birds, caterpillars, larvae, ants, etc.

This confirms that the body needs a greater amount of protein.

Birds in Western Australia have been studied in detail and have been observed to prefer acacia seeds until it rains, then eat fresh grass and caterpillars, and in winter they feed on leaves and pods.

In the spring they quench their hunger with locusts and fruits. They are known for their visits to wheat or other accessible crops.

Features Emu Bird

Emus are large birds that can reach a height of 1.5 to 2m. they weigh between 18 and 55kg. Females are usually larger than males, especially in the hindwing.

They have a small claw at the tip of the wing. The neck is long, as are the legs with the mention that the latter are strong and end with 3 claws.

Long and strong legs help the bird to move at speeds of up to 50km / h. the legs are devoid of feathers.

The 3 claws have a major role in defense, they cause serious injuries to opponents. Claws reach 15cm. The soft beak is adapted for feeding.

Plumage varies in color due to environmental factors giving the bird a natural camouflage. The eyes of the Emu Bird are protected by transparent eyelids that keep dust away especially in arid or windy desert areas.

The Emu also has a goiter that becomes prominent during mating. On very hot days blunder to keep the body temperature constant.

Emus were used as a food source by Indigenous Australians and early European settlers. They used a variety of hunting techniques: they poisoned the water, used nets, imitated the bird's calls.

The birds were raised for meat, skin, and fat. Meat is low in fat and cholesterol. Fat is used in the production of cosmetics, dietary supplements or therapeutic products.

Breeding The Emu Bird

Emu birds begin breeding in the summer months. The pair stays together for 5 months. During mating they do not exceed an area of several km in diameter.

During incubation, males lose up to 10kg of their weight, but their hormone and testosteron levels increase, with their testicles becoming double in size.

It is the females who court the males. During the breeding season, they become more physically attractive. If the males are interested in the females, they approach them and enter the game, in a specific dance somewhat rhythmic.

During breeding, females are more aggressive than males. They win most of the fights 1-1 to take advantage of the male. Courtship can last up to 5 hours, especially when the intended male is alone.

In these cases if the male does not want the female, he runs and kicks her to give up.

After courtship and pair formation, the males lose their appetite and begin to build the nest from grass, sticks, leaves, and others. The nest is located on a flat surface.

In colder conditions the nest can be up to 7cm tall. The nest is placed in areas where the birds have the opportunity to see as well as possible around, thus being able to avoid dangers more easily.

The pair mate daily or every other day.

Females lay eggs every 2-3 days. The average is 11 eggs, but nests with 20 eggs or more have also been found. eggs are large, have a thick shell and dark green color.

The shell is 1mm thick. The length of the egg is about 6cm and the weight of 700-900g. one emu bird egg is equivalent to 10-12 chicken eggs. After all the eggs are in the nest the male begins incubation, during which he does not drink or eat.

It turns the eggs at least 10 times a day. After 8 weeks of incubation, the male loses a trime of weight, practically from fat deposits. Infidelity is known in emu birds. Females mate with several males and lay eggs in several nests.

Chicks, which appear one to two days, are born active, they can nest birds in a few days. At birth they are 12cm tall and weigh 5kg. They are hunted by a few animals like eagles, hawks or dingoes.

They have distinctive brown stripes on their bodies that help them camouflage for a period of three months.

After all these cubs are born, they remain under the wing of the male for 7 months, during which time they learn to defend themselves and feed. They grow very quickly, in only 5-6 months they will be as adult.

They stay with the group for 6 months before moving on. At night it is left at ground level to provide protection for the chicks when they are small.