Farm Animals

EMU

Emu, common name for any member of a genus of large, flightless birds. Only one species, of Australia, survives; related emus on Tasmania and Kangaroo Island, Australia, were extirpated by the early 19th century. Excluding the ostrich, it is the largest of all birds, attaining a height of 1.8 m (6 ft) and a weight of 59 kg (130 lb). The wings of the emu are mere rudiments hidden beneath the coarse, almost hairlike feathers of the body. The plumage is dull brown, darker on the head, neck, and middle of the back, and lighter on the undersides. The naked parts of the head and neck are grayish-blue; the bill and feet are brown.