The Emu is the largest bird native to Australia and can reach up to 2m in height. Emus are a common sighting around Exmouth and Denham - often spotted strolling down the town streets during the hottest months. Additionally you might see them in the National Parks of Cape Range, Francois Peron, Kalbarri and Nambung.
A very large bird with long legs, dark grey brown feet and long, thick plumage that appears shaggy and is mostly dark brown to grey-brown. The skin of the head and throat is blue!
After breeding, the male does most of the incubation, losing significant weight during this time as he does not eat. The eggs hatch after around eight weeks (late Winter/early Spring or August/September), and the young are nurtured by their fathers. The chicks reach full size after around six months, but can remain with their family until the next breeding season half a year later.
Emus can travel great distances and, if necessary, can sprint at 50 km/h. Emus use their strongly clawed feet as a defence mechanism. Their legs are among the strongest of any animal, allowing them to rip metal wire fences. Emus can live between 10 and 20 years in the wild. They can jump and kick to avoid dingos, but against eagles and hawks, they can only run and swerve.
