Emu “Dromaius novaehollandiae”
Emu “Dromaius novaehollandiae”
Emus, also referred to as ratites, are large flightless birds with powerful legs that inhabit grassy plains and open forests in Australia. Covered with long, drooping brown feathers, Emus have three toes on each foot, light blue neck patches and gray-brown legs and bills. Emus reach a height of 5 to 6 feet tall and a weight of 80 to 120 pounds.
Active during the day, Emus feed on fruits, flowers, insects, seeds and vegetation. Emus are extremely fast runners, often reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour for short bursts. Unlike most animals, the male Emu is in charge of incubating the eggs and raising the young. In fact, male Emus are such devoted parents that they will often refuse to leave the nest to eat or drink. Males sit on the eggs for 8 weeks and will guard the chicks for up to 18 months. Emus have a lifespan of 5 to 10 years in the wild.
The park’s petting zoo, Noccalula Falls Park, 1450 Noccalula Road, Gadsden, Etowah County, Alabama. September 7, 2020.
Emu “Dromaius novaehollandiae”
Emu “Dromaius novaehollandiae”
Emus, also referred to as ratites, are large flightless birds with powerful legs that inhabit grassy plains and open forests in Australia. Covered with long, drooping brown feathers, Emus have three toes on each foot, light blue neck patches and gray-brown legs and bills. Emus reach a height of 5 to 6 feet tall and a weight of 80 to 120 pounds.
Active during the day, Emus feed on fruits, flowers, insects, seeds and vegetation. Emus are extremely fast runners, often reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour for short bursts. Unlike most animals, the male Emu is in charge of incubating the eggs and raising the young. In fact, male Emus are such devoted parents that they will often refuse to leave the nest to eat or drink. Males sit on the eggs for 8 weeks and will guard the chicks for up to 18 months. Emus have a lifespan of 5 to 10 years in the wild.
The park’s petting zoo, Noccalula Falls Park, 1450 Noccalula Road, Gadsden, Etowah County, Alabama. September 7, 2020.