There are numerous differences between emus and ostriches though they are often confused due to their similar appearance and commonality as flightless birds. Emus are native to Australia while ostriches are native to Africa. They are different species and not closely related. Emus are classified as Ratites while ostriches are classified as Struthioniformes. Both birds are omnivorous but their diet differ slightly as emus prefer fruits and insects while ostriches prefer plants.
The biggest difference between emus and ostriches is their height as ostriches are the tallest living bird in the world. An ostrich can grow up to 9 feet tall while the average emu is only about 6 feet tall. Emus are also generally lighter than ostriches with an ostrich weighing around 150 pounds while an emu averages around 100 pounds. The feathers of an ostrich are also different than those of an emu. An ostrich feather is smooth and soft while an emu feather is rough and more hair-like.
Some other notable differences between emus and ostriches include:
– Ostriches can live up to 40-50 years in captivity while emus typically only live 15-20 years
– Ostriches can run up to 43 mph while emus can only run up to 30 mph
– Ostriches have three stomachs while emus only have one
– Ostriches can lay up to 15 eggs at a time while emus typically lay 8-10 eggs
– Emus can swallow stones to help grind up food in their stomach while ostriches cannot
What is the difference in height between an emu and an ostrich?
An ostrich is about twice as tall as an emu.
What is the difference in weight between an emu and an ostrich?
Ostriches weigh about three times as much as emus.
What is the difference in number of toes between an emu and an ostrich?
Emus have two toes on each foot while ostriches have three.
What is the difference in color between an emu and an ostrich?
Ostriches are generally darker overall than emus although the colors can vary somewhat between individual birds.
What is the difference in habitat between an emu and an ostrich?
Emus live in Australia while ostriches are found in Africa.
What is the difference in eggs between an emu and an ostrich?
Ostriches lay the largest eggs of any bird while emus have the second largest.
What is the difference in diet between an emu and an ostrich?
Emus are mostly herbivorous while ostriches are omnivorous.
What is the difference in lifespan between an emu and an ostrich?
Emus typically live 10-20 years in the wild while ostriches can live 30-40 years.
What is the difference in speed between an emu and an ostrich?
Emus can reach speeds of up to 50 km/hr while ostriches can reach speeds of up to 70 km/hr.
What is the difference in flight ability between an emu and an ostrich?
Emus are flightless while ostriches can fly short distances.
What is the difference in mating habits between an emu and an ostrich?
Emus mating pairs stay together for life while ostriches generally do not.
What is the difference in brain size between an emu and an ostrich?
Ostriches have larger brains than emus relative to their body size.
What is the difference in plumage between an emu and an ostrich?
Emus have soft fluffy feathers while ostrich feathers are more stiff and leathery.
What is the difference in egg incubation between an emu and an ostrich?
The female emu incubates the eggs by herself while the male ostrich incubates them.
What is the difference in parenting between an emu and an ostrich?
Emus care for their young for several months after they hatch while ostriches abandon their young shortly after they are born.
