Emu

Zone:
Coping With Extremes - Desert Heat

Diet:
Herbivore

Taxa:
Bird

Conservation Status:
Least Concern

The Emu is the largest bird native to Australia and the second-largest bird in the world by height, after its relative, the ostrich, reaching up to 2 metres (6.6 ft) in height.  These flightless birds are common over most of mainland Australia, although it avoids heavily populated areas, dense forest, and arid areas.

Emus can travel great distances at a fast, economical trot and, if necessary, can sprint at 50 km/h (31 mph) for some distance at a time.  Emus will sit in water and are also able to swim.