An emu is a large, flightless bird that is native to Australia. Here are some key facts about emus:
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Appearance: Emus are soft-feathered, brown birds with long necks and legs. They are the second-tallest living bird after the ostrich, with the largest individuals reaching up to 1.9 meters (6 ft 3 in) in height.
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Habitat: Emus are found primarily in Australia, but also in New Guinea, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, and the Philippines. They live in grasslands, savannas, and forests, preferring areas with access to standing water.
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Behavior: Emus are nomadic and move around to take advantage of the food that is available in an area. They eat the parts of plants that have the most concentrated nutrients, as well as insects and small vertebrates when they are easily available. They ingest large pebbles to help their gizzards grind up food. Emus mate and nest over the Australian winter, and females have been known to fight viciously over unpaired males.
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Cultural significance: The emu is an important cultural icon of Australia, appearing on the coat of arms and various coins. The bird features prominently in Indigenous Australian mythology.
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Conservation: Emus are not listed as threatened by the IUCN, but in Australias northern territories they are listed as vulnerable. Once hunted in the wild for their skin, feathers, meat, and oil, these products are now obtained through emu farms.
Emus are fascinating birds that play an important role in the ecosystem of Australia.