Quick answer
The emu is the world's second-tallest bird after the ostrich, reaching 1.9 metres and 40 kg, sprinting 50 km/h across Australian outback. Males incubate eggs for 56 days — the famous 1932 'Emu War' was a minor pest-control operation, not a real war.
Key takeaway
The emu is the world's second-tallest bird after the ostrich, reaching 1.9 metres and 40 kg, sprinting 50 km/h across Australian outback. Males incubate eggs for 56 days — the famous 1932 'Emu War' was a minor pest-control operation, not a real war.
Emu overview
Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is an bird listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight 30–45 kg (66–99 lb); males slightly smaller; lifespan around 10–20 years in the wild.
Emu ecology
Diet: Omnivore — plants, seeds, insects, and fruit. Habitat: Australian grasslands, woodland, and scrub. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Emus and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild emus are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Emu profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Conservation and coexistence
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate change threaten many populations. Responsible ecotourism and community conservation help in parts of their range. Never approach or feed wild emus.
Human interest and research
Emus feature in folklore, tourism, and scientific study worldwide. Ongoing research tracks population trends, genetics, and responses to environmental change — data that guides national protection policies.
Sources
Emu FAQs
What are key facts about emus?
The emu is the world's second-tallest bird after the ostrich, reaching 1.9 metres and 40 kg, sprinting 50 km/h across Australian outback. Males incubate eggs for 56 days — the famous 1932 'Emu War' was a minor pest-control operation, not a real war.
What is the scientific name of the emu?
Dromaius novaehollandiae — used in research and conservation listings for emus.
What do emus eat?
Emus eat plants, seeds, insects, and fruit, with seasonal and regional variation in Australian grasslands, woodland, and scrub.
Where do emus live?
They are associated with Australian grasslands, woodland, and scrub. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of emus?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.