Ostriches and emus are both large flightless birds. They are the only two members of the order Struthioniformes which contains all the world’s ostriches. Both birds have long necks long legs and small heads. They are similar in appearance but there are some key differences.
The biggest difference is size. Ostriches are the world’s largest bird while emus are the second largest. An ostrich can weigh up to 150 pounds while an emu weighs only about half that.
Ostriches are also faster than emus. They can run up to 45 miles per hour while emus can only reach about 30 miles per hour.
Another difference is that ostriches have two toes on each foot while emus have three. This helps ostriches run faster but it also makes them more unstable on soft ground.
Ostriches are native to Africa while emus are native to Australia. Ostriches live in dry open habitats while emus live in more forested habitats.
Finally the two birds have different diets. Ostriches are mostly herbivores while emus are omnivores. Ostriches eat leaves grass and fruit while emus also eat insects and small animals.
So while ostriches and emus are similar in some ways there are also some key differences between them.
What is the difference between an ostrich and an emu?
Ostrich is the largest living bird by height whereas emus are the largest living bird by weight.
Emus are also native to Australia while ostriches are native to Africa.
Which bird can run faster an ostrich or an emu?
Ostriches can run faster than emus.
An ostrich can run up to 43 miles per hour whereas an emu can run up to 30 miles per hour.
Do ostriches and emus lay eggs?
Both ostriches and emus lay eggs.
A female ostrich can lay up to 10 eggs in a single clutch while a female emu can lay up to 20 eggs in a single clutch.
How long do ostriches and emus live?
Ostriches and emus have a similar lifespan.
Ostriches typically live between 10 and 40 years while emus typically live between 10 and 20 years.
Can ostriches and emus fly?
No neither ostriches nor emus can fly.
How much does an ostrich weigh?
Ostriches weigh between 220 and 350 pounds.
How much does an emu weigh?
Emus weigh between 90 and 120 pounds.
How tall is an ostrich?
Ostriches are between 6 and 9 feet tall.
How tall is an emu?
Emus are between 4 and 6 feet tall.
What does an ostrich eat?
Ostriches are omnivores and their diet consists of plants insects and small animals.
What does an emu eat?
Emus are also omnivores and their diet consists of plants insects and small animals.
Where do ostriches live?
Ostriches are found in Africa and the Middle East.
Where do emus live?
Emus are found in Australia.
Are ostriches and emus the same family?
No ostriches and emus are not the same family.
Ostriches are in the ratite family while emus are in the Casuariidae family.
Do ostriches and emus have the same number of toes?
Yes both ostriches and emus have two toes on each foot.
