Ostriches and emus are both large flightless birds native to Australia. Though they share many similarities there are also some important differences between these two animals.
For one ostriches are much larger than emus. An adult ostrich can weigh up to 150 pounds while an adult emu only weighs around 90 pounds. Ostriches also have much longer legs than emus. An ostrich’s legs can be up to eight feet long while an emu’s legs are only about three feet long.
Ostriches are also faster than emus. Ostriches can run up to 45 miles per hour while emus can only run around 30 miles per hour.
One of the most notable differences between these two animals is their diet. Ostriches are omnivores and will eat both plants and animals. Emus on the other hand are mostly herbivores and primarily eat plants.
So while ostriches and emus have many similarities there are also some important differences between them. Size speed and diet are all key ways to tell these two animals apart.
What is the difference between an ostrich and an emu?
Ostrich are larger have longer necks and legs and can run faster than emus.
Emus have a smaller head in proportion to their body and cannot fly.
Which bird has softer feathers?
Emus have softer feathers.
What is the difference in the color of their feathers?
Ostrich feathers are mostly black with white on the wings and tail.
Emu feathers are mostly dark brown.
What is the difference in their eggs?
Ostrich eggs are larger and more round.
Emu eggs are smaller and more oval.
How do they differ in their diet?
Ostrich are mostly herbivorous and eat plants and seeds.
Emus are omnivorous and eat plants insects and small animals.
Where do they live?
Ostrich are found in Africa and the Middle East.
Emus are found in Australia.
How do they differ in their habitat?
Ostrich live in open areas such as plains and savannas.
Emus live in woodlands and forests.
What is the difference in their lifespan?
Ostrich can live up to 40-50 years in captivity.
Emus can live up to 20 years in captivity.
How do they differ in their behavior?
Ostrich are generally more aggressive than emus.
Emus are generally more curious and tame.
What is the difference in their mating habits?
Ostrich form lifelong pairs and mate for life.
Emus do not form lifelong pairs and the male emu helps to raise the chicks.
How do they care for their young?
Both ostrich and emu parents care for their young by incubating their eggs and protecting them until they are old enough to fend for themselves.
What is the difference in their predators?
Ostrich have predators such as lions leopards cheetahs and hyenas.
Emus have predators such as dingoes foxes and eagles.
What is the difference in their population?
Ostrich are not endangered and their population is stable.
Emus are not endangered but their population has declined due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
What is the difference in their status?
Ostrich are considered domesticated animals.
Emus are considered wild animals.
What is the difference in their global distribution?
Ostrich are found in Africa the Middle East and some parts of Asia.
Emus are found in Australia and some parts of Indonesia.
