1 of 4 Learn the differences between the ostrich and the emu Photo: Ad Konings/Luciano Massa/iNaturalist Learn the differences between the ostrich and the emu Photo: Ad Konings/Luciano Massa/iNaturalist
Long necks, elongated legs, flat beaks and a “prehistoric” appearance: emus and ostriches look similar. However, if you look closely it is possible to distinguish the two birds.
Both are distant relatives and are divided into different orders and families. However, along with cassowaries, emu and inhambus, they form a group of birds known as paleognaths, a classification distinct from all other birds currently in existence, the neognaths.
Not only do emu and ostrich belong to the same group and have similarities in appearance and diet (both are omnivores), but they also cannot fly but are excellent runners. While ostriches can reach a speed of 70 km/h, emus are not far behind at around 60 km/h.
A common curiosity among all species is that in both emus and ostriches, the male is responsible for incubating the eggs and caring for the young.
2 of 4 Emus are restricted to South America and occur in Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil Photo: Marcia Morris/iNaturalist Emus are restricted to South America and occur in Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil Photo: Marcia Morris/iNaturalist
However, there are many differences. “Apart from their geographical distribution, there are several differences in the morphology of these two groups of birds. Ostriches are larger, males (the largest birds in the world) easily reach a length of more than 2.5 meters, while the rhea reaches a maximum of 1.7 meters,” explains Terra da Gente biologist and bird specialist Luciano Lima.
The Lesser Rhea (Rhea pennata) and the Lesser Rhea (Rhea americana) are the only existing Rhea species and both only occur in South America. The lesser rhea lives in Peru, Bolivia and mainly in the Chilean region of Patagonia and Argentina.
“Randus rheas are distributed throughout Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina, and historically could be found in most of Brazil’s most open landscapes, including areas of the Pampas, Cerrado, Pantanal and even the Caatinga,” says the biologist.
3 of 4 The ostrich is the largest living bird on the planet Photo: priya_rs/iNaturalist The ostrich is the largest living bird on the planet Photo: priya_rs/iNaturalist
The two wellknown ostrich species, the common ostrich (Struthio camelus) and the Ethiopian ostrich (Struthio molybdophanes), are, however, restricted to the African continent. The common ostrich is found across much of Africa, while the Ethiopian ostrich is common in the Far East, including Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya.
But even without knowing the location and without comparing sizes, it is possible to distinguish emus from ostriches. This is because, according to Luciano, ostriches have most of their heads, necks and thighs bare of feathers, while in emus these areas are feathered.
Not only are ostriches notable for being the largest bird in the world, reaching up to three meters high and weighing around 150 kilograms, but they are also social animals they live in flocks and their groups can number up to 50 include individuals. Emus are considered the largest birds in Brazil, but weigh no more than 35 kilos.
4 out of 4 Emus have feathered legs and thighs, unlike ostriches Photo: João Quental Emus have feathered legs and thighs, unlike ostriches Photo: João Quental
A curious fact about the ostrich is that the animal does not bury its head when it feels threatened, a myth that has become widespread largely due to cartoons. Because the bird has a very large neck, it actually tends to lower its head only to eat.
*Text directed by Nicolle Januzzi