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Emu
Dromaius novae-hollandiae
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| Range: |
At one time they
roamed most of Australia from the coastal plains to the mountainous area.
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| Habitat: |
Lightly timbered
interior of the country.
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| Diet: |
grass and other
herbage, native fruits, berries, and insects.
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Fun Facts:
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- The emu is considered an agricultural pest
in the wheat fields because they eat the grain!
- The emu is Australia's tallest bird and it
weighs between 80 and 100 pounds!
- The plumage of the emu is composed of
"double" feathers formed by the extension of the aftershaft, which is almost as
long as the main feather!
- Emus have strong legs that carry them at
speeds up to 40 mph covering over 9 feet in one stride!
- The female builds the nest of grass, leaves,
ferns, and bark in which she lays dark green eggs. There are from 7-18 eggs with an
average weight of 20 1/2 ounces!
- The male does the incubation, breeding, and
rearing of the young!
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