Emu

Dromaius novaehollandiae

The emu, Dromaius novaehollandiae, is a large flightless bird native to Australia and the second-tallest living bird after the ostrich. It has long legs, three-toed feet, a shaggy grey-brown coat of feathers, and a bare bluish face that varies by individual. Emus travel widely in search of seeds, fruits, shoots, insects, and water. Their breeding system is notable because males incubate the dark green eggs and raise the striped chicks after the female has laid the clutch.

Emus are farmed and kept on acreage in many countries for meat, oil, leather, eggs, display, or breeding stock. They require secure fencing, room to move, shelter from severe weather, and feed formulated for ratites or comparable balanced management with pasture access. Calm daily routines make handling safer, but adults can kick hard and should not be treated like poultry. Local zoning, transport rules, and veterinary access are worth checking before purchase, especially for small farms that have not managed large birds before.