Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

12th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
EMUS HEAD

Emu is a large flightless bird native to Australia and the only extant member of the genus Dromaius. It can sprint at 50 km/h (31 mph), note that its genus name Dromaius is a Greek word that means runner. It is the second tallest up to 2 meters (after ostrich), and the third heaviest (after cassowary) extant bird in the world. Its plumage varies regionally, matching the surrounding environment and improving its camouflage. It is interesting that emus ingest stones, glass shards and bits of metal to grind food in its digestive system, and that the young birds are nurtured only by their fathers.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 11.2012
Date Uploaded: 11.2014
Photo Location: MELBOURNE, Australia
Copyright: © Karolos Trivizas