adult; little sexual dimorphism (Farm; 2008-01-02)


Emu
Dromaius novaehollandiae

Native Range: Australia

Notes: one of several flightless "ratite" birds that makes its living by walking and running on strong legs; defends itself with powerful kicks; eats mostly plants but also some invertebrates; lives in nomadic groups on open lands; like some other ratites, domesticated birds now are raised on farms for their meat, skin and feathers. altogether, the "ratite" birds consist of several ancient lineages that are evolutionarily distinct enough as to warrant placement into several different taxonomic orders (Casuariiformes in the case of emus).

long legs and neck; downy feathers (Farm; 2008-01-02) 		powerful legs can deliver a nasty kick (Farm; 2008-01-02)

blue on throat and face (Farm; 2008-01-02)
broad black bill; black crown and back of neck (Farm; 2008-01-02)

flightless, but a good runner (Farm; 2008-01-02)
head portrait; note red iris, blue on face and throat (Farm; 2008-01-02)