Is the emu a flightless bird?

Answer 1

Emus are not extinct, nor even endangered. They are the second largest birds in the world, after the ostrich, and exist in abundant numbers on the Australian mainland.

The Emu is extinct on the island of Tasmania but is common in all other states and mainland territories of Australia. There also used to be two dwarf emu species, existing on Kangaroo island (off South Australia) and King island (Bass Strait). The dwarf emus and the Tasmanian emus were driven to extinction by the arrival of European settlers.

Answer 2

Yes. Emus live all over Australia and although they are classed as birds, they are one of the very few birds that can't actually fly at all. They are related to a group of birds called ratites. Other ratites include the ostrich from Africa and the rhea from South America. Ratites have wings but the bones in their chests do not have the capacity for flight muscles, which is what a bird needs to fly. Although the emu does not actually weigh as much as it appears (30-45kg), its wings are also too small by comparison to lift it.

Answer 3

Emus are not endangered as they are found in abundance throughout mainland Australia, from coastal areas to Alpine areas, to grasslands and semi-arid areas, and even the outskirts of urban settlements. There are even emu farms, where products from the emu are commercially farmed.

Answer 4

The emu is not endangered in any way. It is classified as common, although recently there have been some concerns in northern New South Wales about decreasing emu populations.