Emu vs. Ostrich Size, Speed and Environment

Emus live in Australia, where their long necks sometimes get them confused with ostriches. David Trood / Getty Images

Two of the largest flightless birds on the planet may look similar but they typically live on different continents and have evolved unique adaptations for survival. How are your emu vs. ostrich identification skills?

If you've ever wondered what makes an emu different from an ostrich, you've come to the right place!

Both emus and ostriches belong to a group of other flightless birds called ratites, which also includes kiwis in New Zealand and rheas from South America. While the two species share some similarities, their size, speed, eggs and even feathers set them apart.

Emu vs. Ostrich Size and Speed

The common ostrich is the largest flightless bird, standing up to 9 feet (2.7 meters) tall and weighing over 300 pounds (136.1 kg). Male ostriches have striking black and white feathers, while females tend to have duller brown coloring.

Despite their massive size, ostriches can be incredibly fast, reaching speeds of up to 60 mph (96.6 km/h) in short bursts.

Emus, though large, are slightly smaller than ostriches, standing around 5 feet tall (1.5 meters) and weighing between 80 and 130 pounds (36.3 and 59 kg). Emus rely on their long legs for speed, but they max out at about 30 mph (48.3 km/h).

Both emus and ostriches both use their incredible running abilities to escape predators.

Feathers and Appearance of Flightless Birds

Ostrich feathers are loose and fluffy, lacking the stiff structure that helps other birds fly. This gives them a shaggy appearance, which helps with temperature regulation in their hot, dry habitats.

The Somali ostrich — one of two ostrich species — has a distinct blue neck and legs, while the common ostrich has pinkish skin.

The more muted plumage on emus helps them blend into the landscape of the Australian Outback.
John Carnemolla / Getty Images

Male and female emus, on the other hand, share similar brownish-gray plumage that helps them blend into the Australian outback.

Unlike ostriches, which have just two toes on each foot, emus have three toes, giving them more stability on rough terrain. Ostrich feet are built for high-speed running, with powerful claws that can be used for defense when necessary.

Ostrich Eggs: The Biggest and the Toughest

elderly woman hand an ostrich egg to a young teen girl — A woman offers a valuable ostrich egg as a gift to 14-year-old girl in Namibia. Martin Harvey / Getty Images

When it comes to eggs, ostriches lay the biggest ones in the bird world. Ostrich eggs can weigh up to 3 pounds (1.4 kg) and have a thick shell that makes them incredibly strong. These giant eggs are often incubated by male ostriches, who take on the role of protecting the nest at night.

Emu eggs may not be as large, but they’re just as fascinating. These dark green eggs blend into their surroundings, helping to camouflage them from predators.

Like their ostrich counterparts, male and female emus share nesting duties, but the male emu takes on the primary role of incubating the eggs and raising the chicks.

Behavior and Habitat

Ostriches tend to be more social, often forming large flocks to help with protection from predators. Found in the savannas and deserts of Africa, these birds rely on their size, speed, and powerful legs to stay safe.

The Somali ostrich prefers drier, more arid regions, while the common ostrich is found across a broader range of African landscapes.

Emus, on the other hand, are more solitary, though they sometimes form loose groups when food is abundant. They thrive in the varied environments of Australia, from forests to grasslands.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.