When it comes to tall flightless birds there is often confusion between ostriches and emus. Though these two birds are similar in many ways there are also some significant differences between them. Here is a look at the key ways in which ostriches and emus differ from one another:
Size: When it comes to size ostriches are the larger of the two birds. Male ostriches can reach heights of up to 9 feet while female ostriches are typically around 7 feet tall. Emus on the other hand are only 6 feet tall at most.
Weight: Ostriches weigh more than emus with males averaging around 250 pounds and females around 150 pounds. Emus meanwhile typically weigh between 90 and 130 pounds.
Legs: Both ostriches and emus have long legs but the legs of an ostrich are much thicker and stronger. Ostriches also have two toes on each foot while emus have three.
Neck: Ostriches have longer necks than emus and they can reach up to 6 feet in length. Emus have shorter necks typically only 3-4 feet in length.
Eggs: When it comes to eggs ostriches win hands-down. A single ostrich egg can weigh up to 3 pounds and measure up to 12 inches long. Emu eggs by contrast only weigh around 1 pound and are 6-7 inches long on average.
Speed: When running ostriches can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. Emus though faster than humans are slower than ostriches topping out at around 30 miles per hour.
So there you have it! These are some of the key ways in which ostriches and emus differ from one another. Next time you see one of these birds see if you can spot the differences!
What is the difference in size between an ostrich and an emu?
Ostriches are typically 2-3 times the size of an emu.
What is the difference in neck length between an ostrich and an emu?
Ostriches have much longer necks than emus.
What is the difference in neck mobility between an ostrich and an emu?
Ostriches can move their necks in a complete circle while emus can only move theirs up and down.
What is the difference in number of toes between an ostrich and an emu?
Emus have two toes on each foot while ostriches have three.
What is the difference in flight capability between an ostrich and an emu?
Ostriches can not fly while emus can.
What is the difference in preferred habitat between an ostrich and an emu?
Ostriches live in dry open plains while emus prefer woodlands.
What is the difference in diet between an ostrich and an emu?
Ostriches are mostly carnivorous while emus are mostly herbivorous.
What is the difference in nesting habits between an ostrich and an emu?
Ostriches make nests in the ground while emus make nests in trees.
What is the difference in egg size between an ostrich and an emu?
Ostritch eggs are about 3 times the size of emu eggs.
What is the difference in number of eggs laid between an ostrich and an emu?
Ostriches usually lay 1-3 eggs while emus usually lay 8-10.
What is the difference in incubation period between an ostrich and an emu?
Ostritch eggs take about 42 days to hatch while emu eggs take about 55 days.
What is the difference in hatching success rate between an ostrich and an emu?
Emus have a higher hatching success rate than ostriches.
What is the difference in parental care between an ostrich and an emu?
Ostriches take care of their young for about 2 years while emus take care of their young for about 6 months.
What is the difference in lifespan between an ostrich and an emu?
Emus typically live 10-20 years while ostriches typically live 30-40 years.
What is the difference in color between an ostrich and an emu?
Ostriches are typically black and white while emus are brown.
