The Emu is a 3-toed ratite (flightless bird with no keel). It is the world's second tallest bird (after the Ostrich) at over 6 feet (2 metres) high
and the third heaviest (after the Cassowary). Like the other two, it packs a powerful kick and its clawed middle toe can rip metal.
It is native to Australia, three subspecies covering most of the country.
Emu eggs, smaller than Ostrich eggs, are dark green (mid green to almost black).
Like the Rhea, it is the male which incubates the eggs and raises the chicks to juveniles.
Emus' bodies are a more elongated shape than the other ratites and tend to be browner, although one of the subspecies or races is paler and greyer.
They are well adapted to Australia's dry interior since they can tolerate no water for days and take in a lot of fluid when it is available.
They are fast runners.
The blue neck is visible through the feathers.
The Emu chick is well camouflaged with a brown and white striped plumage and quickly learns to run.
The juvenile (at some 6 months old up to a year) is wholly brown.