What is the difference between emu and ostrich?

The emu and the ostrich may be confused, but there are differences between these large birds, such as the places they live and the speed they reach.

With their long neck, long legs, dark chest feathers and flat head, spotting the difference between the rhea and the ostrich is no easy task, but it is far from impossible. In common, the emu (of the genus Rhea) and ostriches (of the genus Ostrich) cannot fly, not even like a chicken, they “know” how to run and follow an omnivorous diet.

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Out of nature, ostrich and emu are bred to produce exotic skins, egg, feathers and flesh. However, the two birds have numerous differences between them and are geographically distributed in different parts of the world, as we will see below.

What is the emu?

The rhea is a large bird native to South America. More precisely, the rhea (American Rhea) is known to have historically inhabited countries such as Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Uruguay and Brazil. Second Encyclopedia Britannicathis species of emu usually has gray or brown feathers, mixed with black feathers.

However, this is not the only known species of emu. There is also the little rhea (Rea pennata), as the name suggests, is smaller than its cousin. With brown feathers tipped with white, it is found in Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina.

What is an ostrich?

Ostriches are the largest living birds on the planet and are known for their more aggressive and territorial behavior – they can even “kick”, although incidents with humans are rare.

Also in this case the name is used to refer to two distinct species: the common ostrich (Struthio camelus) and the Somali ostrich (Strutium molybdophane).

The most common species are found in different parts of the African continent. The Somali ostrich is concentrated in East Africa, being common in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia.

Regardless of the species, the male is almost entirely black, but has white feathers on his wings and tail. Meanwhile, females are almost all brown.

Difference between emu and ostrich

To know the difference between emus and ostrich, which are animals of different genera and species, it is possible to use four distinct characteristics:

• Speed;
• To measure;
• Feathers;
• Legs.

Ostriches are faster and they are among the fastest animals in the world, but the maximum speeds are close to each other. The ostrich can reach a speed of 72.5 km/h, while the emu can run at around 60 km/h.

Easier to identify, ostriches are increasingly larger: a male can reach 2.75 m with its long neck raised and weigh 150 kg. Emus, on the other hand, reach something close to 1.2 m and weigh around 20 kg.

Among the interesting observation points to identify the main differences are the feathers. Ostriches normally do not have feathers on their heads, necks and thighs, unlike emus. Another interesting fact is that emus have three “toes” on their feet, while ostriches only have two.

Source: Encyclopedia Britannica (1, two) AND Wiki Commons

Source: Terra

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.