Page 70 - Atlas Of The World's Strangest Animals

70 ATLAS OF THE WORLD’S STRANGEST ANIMALS

Emu

Australia is famous for its strange creatures, but these giant, flightless birds

are real curiosities. Looking like some shaggy over-grown turkey, emus are
now frequently found on farms. But wild birds continue to surprise – and
amuse – visitors to this unique continent.

Key Facts ORDER Casuariformes / FAMILY Dromaiidae /
GENUS & SPECIES Dromaius novaehollandiae

Weight Up to 50kg (110.3Ib)
Length Up to 1.9m (6.2ft)
Sexual maturity 2 years

Breeding season April–June
Number of eggs Up to 20
Incubation period 56 days
Breeding interval Females mate multiple times
through year.
Typical diet Seeds, shoots and insects

Lifespan 10–20 years in the wild

(c) 2011 Marshall Cavendish. All Rights Reserved.