Emus are large, brown, flightless birds that are only found in Australia. These Australian icons are well-known for their size and unique looks. However, they are often confused with several other types of birds that have a similar appearance. So here’s a list of birds that look like emus to help you tell them apart.
Ostrich
The ostrich is an emu-looking bird however it is even larger in size. In fact, the ostrich is the only bird in the world bigger than the emu and holds the title of the largest bird in the world. (The emu holds the title for the second largest.) These flightless birds are found in the savannahs and deserts of Africa. They live in small herds usually of under a dozen individuals which are maintained by an alpha male.
Rhea
The rhea is also known as the “nandu,” in many European countries. While it is mainly a vegetarian the rhea also feeds on insects, small rodents, and reptiles. Although at first glance the rhea is a bird that looks like an emu, it is smaller usually only reaching around 67 inches (170 cm) in height. It is native to South America where it is well-known for running with its wings spread.
Cassowary
Of all the birds that look like emus, the cassowary is the most dangerous. In fact, it is considered to be the most dangerous bird in the world. That’s because this species kicks when it feels threatened and its feet are armed with long sharp claws that can cause lethal damage. Like the emu the cassowary inhabits Australia, however, it is also found in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.
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