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The
Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae which, in Latin, means "fast-footed
New Hollander", referring to Australia, whose old
name was New Holland) is the largest bird native to Australia
and, after the Ostrich, the second-largest bird that survives
today. It inhabits most of the less-populated areas of
the continent, avoiding only dense forest and severe desert.
Like all birds in the Ratite group, it is flightless,
although unlike some it does have tiny wings hidden under
the feathers. The soft-feathered, brown birds reach 1.5
to 2 metres in height and weigh up to 60 kilograms, with
the male marginally smaller. Emus are opportunistically
nomadic and follow rain, feeding on grains, flowers, fruit,
soft shoots, insects, grubs, and whatever else is available.
They are able to travel great distances at a fast, economical
trot and, if need be, can sprint at 50 km/h. |
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The
Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae which, in Latin, means "fast-footed
New Hollander", referring to Australia, whose old
name was New Holland) is the largest bird native to Australia
and, after the Ostrich, the second-largest bird that survives
today. It inhabits most of the less-populated areas of
the continent, avoiding only dense forest and severe desert.
Like all birds in the Ratite group, it is flightless,
although unlike some it does have tiny wings hidden under
the feathers. The soft-feathered, brown birds reach 1.5
to 2 metres in height and weigh up to 60 kilograms, with
the male marginally smaller. Emus are opportunistically
nomadic and follow rain, feeding on grains, flowers, fruit,
soft shoots, insects, grubs, and whatever else is available.
They are able to travel great distances at a fast, economical
trot and, if need be, can sprint at 50 km/h. |
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