Emu vs. Ostrich: What Is The Difference Between Emu And Ostrich?

If you have ever seen an Emu and an Ostrich before, you may have noticed that they look very similar in appearance. But what is the difference between Emu and Ostrich? With both of these birds having a similar size, shape, and even plumage, it may be difficult to tell the two apart. In this post, we discuss the major differences between Emu and Ostrich. We cover everything from their size to their habitats and diets. We also provide a few comparison points to make it easier to identify each bird. By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of the differences between Emu and Ostrich.

What Is Emu?

An Emu is a large, flightless bird native to Australia. It is the second-largest living bird in the world, after the ostrich, and is the tallest bird in Australia. Emus are omnivorous, mainly eating seeds, fruits, flowers, and insects, but they will also scavenge for carrion. They live in small groups and have a complex social structure, with a dominant bird leading the group and other birds taking on subordinate roles. Emus are strong, fast runners and can reach speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour. They are also strong swimmers and can even dive underwater. They are known to be curious and intelligent birds, with a good memory and the ability to recognize individuals. As a result, they are becoming increasingly popular in zoological gardens and parks.

What Is Ostrich?

An ostrich is a large, flightless bird native to Africa. These birds are the largest living species of bird and can grow up to 9 feet tall and weigh up to 320 pounds. Ostriches have long legs and can run at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. They possess two toes on each foot, compared to most birds which have four. Ostriches are omnivores, consuming a wide range of plant and animal material. They feed on seeds, grasses, flowers, leaves, roots, and insects. They also eat lizards, snakes, and small mammals. Ostriches are social animals that live in groups of 5 to 50 birds. They display complex behaviors including mating rituals and aggression. In the wild, their lifespan is estimated at up to 40 years. In captivity, they may live even longer. Ostriches have long been kept as livestock.

Key Differences Between Emu And Ostrich

Emus and Ostriches are two of the largest and most recognizable birds in the world. While they may appear similar, there are a number of key differences that separate them. Emus are native to Australia and stand 5-6 feet tall at full maturity, while Ostriches are native to Africa and can reach up to 9 feet tall. Emus have a long, thin neck and a shaggy-looking head, while Ostriches have a thick, curved neck and a bald head. Emus are omnivores and primarily feed on seeds, fruits, and insects, as well as small animals and plants. Ostriches, on the other hand, are primarily herbivores, feeding on roots, seeds, leaves, and grasses. Finally, Emus are able to swim.

1. Ostrich is bigger than Emu
2. Emu can run faster than ostrich
3. Emu is easier to keep
4. Emus can be bred
5. Color and Feathers
6. Lifespan

Emu vs. Ostrich Similarities

The Emu and the Ostrich share a number of similarities. To begin with, both birds are ratites, which is a term used to describe flightless birds. They are both large birds, the Emu being slightly smaller than the Ostrich. Both birds have long, powerful legs and can run at considerable speeds. Additionally, both birds have long necks and small heads, and both have two toes on each foot. Furthermore, both lay eggs which are quite large in comparison to other birds. Finally, both birds are omnivorous and feed on a variety of fruits, insects, and small animals. While the Emu and Ostrich do have distinct differences, the similarities between them are quite clear.

1. Emus and Ostriches are flightless birds
2. The emu runs with powerful legs and feet
3. The emu is the tallest bird in Australia
4. Ostrich can run as fast as 45 km/h
5. Both live in similar habitats
6. The diet of both is mainly grasses, seeds, some fruits, insects and insects’ eggs

Emu vs. Ostrich Pros and Cons

Emu Pros & Cons

Emu Pros

An Emu is the second-largest living bird in the world, after the ostrich, and is the tallest bird in Australia and they have a number of advantages. Emus are strong, fast runners and can reach speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour. Emu are very docile and curious and easy to tame in captivity. Each year the emu ostrich travels thousands of miles, running 25 kilometers each day. Emu are quite resistant to temperature fluctuations and feel quite comfortable at both -5 and +45 degrees Celsius. Emus are excellent swimmers. They can easily cross a river in search of food. These birds deposit large amounts of blubber, which is used for survival while searching for food. Each feather of an ostrich has a double rod. When running, Emu hides his small wings under the feathers and uses them as stabilizers.

1. Emus eat a lot of weeds and other plant matter
2. Emus are strong, fast runners 
3. Emus can eat over 3000 Kg of vegetation per day
4. Emu are very docile and curious and easy to tame in captivity
5. Emu are quite resistant to temperature fluctuations 
6. Emus are excellent swimmers

Emu Cons

The Emu is a large, flightless bird native to Australia. While it is a unique and interesting species, it does have some disadvantages that should be considered before raising them. The primary disadvantage of the Emu is the cost of feed and care. Emus require a specialized diet and, depending on the climate, can require a large amount of feed. Additionally, they require a substantial amount of space to roam and special housing to protect from predators. They are also very loud, so buyers should be aware of local noise ordinances. Finally, Emus can be dangerous and become aggressive, so owners should be aware of the risks and prepared to handle them appropriately.

1. Emus are flightless birds
2. Emus are egg layers
3. Emus are dangerous animals
4. They can hurt you
5. They are mean
6. Emus are nocturnal
7. They are stubborn
8. Emus are noisy

Ostrich Pros & Cons

Ostrich Pros

The Ostrich is an intriguing bird with some unique advantages. Ostrich are the largest living bird, making them an impressive sight. They are also the fastest running bird and can reach speeds up to 43 miles per hour. Ostrich also have eyes that are larger than those of any other land animal, providing them with excellent vision. Furthermore, they have strong legs and large wings that allow them to take off and fly short distances. Lastly, they can go for long periods of time without water, as they are adapted to survive in harsh desert climates. All of these advantages make the Ostrich a formidable creature, as they are well-equipped to survive in their environment.

1. It is the largest living bird and can grow up to 1.5 meters
2. They live for 80 years
3. Ostrich is tough and can stand up to nearly anything
4. The fat of ostrich meat is very rich, containing more fat than beef or pork
5. The meat of ostrich is tender and it tastes like chicken
6. It uses its long neck to reach food

Ostrich Cons

The Ostrich is the largest living bird, but unfortunately, it also has some disadvantages. Firstly, they are relatively slow-moving animals, meaning they are unable to escape quickly from predators. Secondly, they are susceptible to disease, particularly parasites and fungal infections. Thirdly, they require a large amount of water and food, making them expensive to keep. Lastly, they are exceptionally messy, leaving a large amount of waste and feathers behind. Despite their size and strength, the Ostrich is not an ideal pet or animal for many owners due to its drawbacks.

1. It cannot swim or fly
2. Ostrich cannot run as fast as other birds
3. They are susceptible to disease, particularly parasites and fungal infections
4. They require a large amount of water and food, making them expensive to keep

Comparison Table: 6 Key Differences Between Emu And Ostrich 

Comparison Chart

Comparison Video

Conclusion

In conclusion, the emu and ostrich are both large flightless birds, but they have significant differences between them. The emu is native to Australia and is the second-largest living bird by height, while the ostrich is native to Africa and is the tallest and heaviest bird alive. The emu has brown feathers and a shaggy appearance, while the ostrich has black feathers and a sleek appearance. Both the emu and ostrich live in flocks, but the emu is a more social animal and is known to form strong bonds with other members of its flock.