Definition:

(noun) The scientific bird family classification for all emus. There is only one emu species in existence today, since two recent members of the family – the King Island emu and the Kangaroo Island emu – have both gone extinct, likely with influence from human factors such as hunting and the introduction of invasive predators into the birds' territory. Today, however, the emu is not considered threatened or endangered, and there are several geographic subspecies.

Emus of all subspecies share the same elongated round body with shaggy brown plumage, three-toed feet and long legs and neck. These are flightless birds and are endemic to Australia. Though the Dromaiidae family is often recognized as distinct, it is occasionally combined with the Casuariidae family, the cassowaries.

Photo – Emu © ShelahD

Pronunciation:

droh-MAY-uh-dee or droh-MAY-uh-deye

Also Known As:

Emu