In a fascinating comparison, emus and ostriches are pitted against each other in terms of dimensions, velocity, and environmental adaptations.
Emu vs. Ostrich Size, Speed and Environment
Emus live in Australia, where their long necks sometimes get them confused with ostriches.
Characteristics of Flightless Birds
Both emus and ostriches belong to a group of other flightless birds called ratites, which also includes kiwis in New Zealand and rheas from South America. While the two species share some similarities, their size, speed, eggs, and even feathers set them apart.
Size and Speed Comparison
The common ostrich is the largest flightless bird, standing up to 9 feet tall (2.7 meters) and weighing over 300 pounds (136.1 kg). Male ostriches have striking black and white feathers, while females tend to have duller brown coloring. Despite their massive size, ostriches can be incredibly fast, reaching speeds of up to 60 mph (96.6 km/h) in short bursts.
Emus, though large, are slightly smaller than ostriches, standing around 5 feet tall (1.5 meters) and weighing between 80 and 130 pounds (36.3 and 59 kg). Emus rely on their long legs for speed, but they max out at about 30 mph (48.3 km/h).
Feathers and Appearance
Ostrich feathers are loose and fluffy, lacking the stiff structure that helps other birds fly. This gives them a shaggy appearance, which helps with temperature regulation in their hot, dry habitats.
The Somali ostrich — one of two ostrich species — has a distinct blue neck and legs, while the common ostrich has pinkish skin.
Male and female emus, on the other hand, share similar brownish-gray plumage that helps them blend into the Australian outback. Unlike ostriches, which have just two toes on each foot, emus have three toes, giving them more stability on rough terrain.
Eggs
When it comes to eggs, ostriches lay the biggest ones in the bird world. Ostrich eggs can weigh up to 3 pounds (1.4 kg) and have a thick shell that makes them incredibly strong. These giant eggs are often incubated by male ostriches, who take on the role of protecting the nest at night.
The ostrich egg is the largest bird egg, laid by the ostrich, a flightless bird native to Africa.
On average, an ostrich egg weighs around 1.3 kg (3 lbs) and measures 15 cm (6 inches) long.
Ostrich eggs have thicker shells than chicken eggs due to their larger size and stronger birds.
They are also more oval in shape.
In some cultures, ostrich eggs are considered a delicacy and are boiled or roasted for consumption.
Emu eggs may not be as large, but they’re just as fascinating. These dark green eggs blend into their surroundings, helping to camouflage them from predators.
Emu eggs are a nutrient-rich food source, providing a high amount of protein and low amounts of cholesterol.
One large emu egg contains about 12 grams of protein, compared to 6-7 grams in 'chicken eggs'.
They also have a higher content of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, D, and E compared to 'chicken eggs'.
Additionally, emu eggs are lower in saturated fats and calories than 'chicken eggs'.
Behavior and Habitat
Ostriches tend to be more social, often forming large flocks to help with protection from predators. Found in the savannas and deserts of Africa, these birds rely on their size, speed, and powerful legs to stay safe.
The Somali ostrich prefers drier, more arid regions, while the common ostrich is found across a broader range of African landscapes.
Emus, on the other hand, are more solitary, though they sometimes form loose groups when food is abundant. They thrive in the varied environments of Australia, from forests to grasslands.
Evolutionary History
Ostriches and emus are thought to share a common prehistoric ancestor known as Lithornis. This ancient bird was capable of flight and probably scavenged for food like modern vultures do.
Lithornis is a fossilized bird that lived during the Eocene epoch, around 50 million years ago.
It was discovered in Egypt and belongs to the family Phorusrhacidae.
Lithornis had a distinctive beak shape and a long neck, which suggests it was an omnivorous bird.
The species was first described in 1866 by French paleontologist Edmond Naughton.
Lithornis is considered one of the earliest known members of its family and provides valuable insights into the evolution of birds.
Researchers theorize that several Lithornis populations migrated to places like Africa and Australia eventually evolving into several flightless species we know today.
- howstuffworks.com | Emu vs. Ostrich Size, Speed and Environment
