Emu

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Dromaius novaehollandiae

Emu

Emus are the second largest ratites, or large flightless birds. Other ratites include ostriches and rheas. While these birds are not actually related, they are all similar in appearance. Emus are native to Australia, while the ostrich are African and the rhea are from South America.

As with the other ratites, emu males build their nest on the ground and are the ones who incubate the eggs. Emu eggs take about 50 days to hatch, and the young emus are light brown with stripes. As they grow, the stripes disappear and their heads and necks become the dark black color that is seen on both male and female adult birds.

Emu have become very popular in the United States as an alternative livestock animal. They breed quite well in most climates in the United States and produce several marketable products, including meat, oil, feathers, and eggs. Unlike chicken, Emu meat is a red meat that is lower in fat and cholesterol than beef. The fat can be rendered to produce an oil that is used

in skin products such as moisturizer, and anti-aging cream. It is also said to reduce muscle pain and to prevent scarring. Emu feathers are popular as decorations, as they are soft and flexible. The eggs are sought after by many crafters as they are quite large and are a beautiful dark emerald green in color. Many people paint or etch designs into them.