Australia's tallest native bird, reaching up to 1.9 metres and capable of running at 50 km/h.
Not listed
Endemic to Australia
Indigenous: Moymoy, Dhinawan, Wurrpan, Bagabaga, Barrgay, Gurlppanppanh, A-Wurrpbarn, Weitj, Waayin, Jiwirdiwirdi, Ngurrurndutj, Guriri, Wurrparn, Guluwurdu, Waitj, Gululugululug, Jinarlirri, Bandubugarri, Imiyu, Wetj
At a glance
FamilyCassowaries and Emu
SizeGiant
RarityCommon
HabitatPrefers open country, where it roams around in loose flocks ranging from a few birds up to hundreds.
Best timeMost reliable in South Australia from May to July.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Andrew Galbraith
Range map
Range map
200approx hotspots
100865approx records
5states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Only confusion possible with introduced Common Ostrich, but note Emu’s dark head and a shaggy-feathered neck. Hatchlings have distinctive stripes throughout. Juvenile and immature birds are darker than adults with more feathered necks.
Behavior
Prefers open country, where it roams around in loose flocks ranging from a few birds up to hundreds.
Gallery
Regional timing
Victoria
Queensland
New South Wales
Western Australia
South Australia
Northern Territory
Tasmania
Australian Capital Territory