What Is the National Bird of Australia?

The national bird of Australia is the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae), a large, flightless bird that holds both symbolic and biological significance across the continent. Often searched as 'what is the national bird of Australia,' this question reflects growing interest in understanding how native wildlife shapes national identity. The emu, known for its endurance, speed, and adaptability to diverse environments—from arid deserts to open woodlands—has become an enduring emblem of Australian resilience and progress.

Historical Background: How the Emu Became a National Symbol

The emu's rise as a national symbol dates back to the early 20th century when Australia sought distinct national emblems separate from British colonial imagery. While no official legislative act formally declared the emu as the national bird, it has been widely recognized as such due to its prominent placement on the Australian Coat of Arms, granted by King George V in 1912. Alongside the kangaroo, the emu supports the shield, representing forward movement—a nod to the fact that neither animal easily moves backward.

This symbolism was intentional. At the time, designers wanted creatures unique to Australia that embodied strength and perseverance. The choice also reflected Indigenous knowledge systems, where the emu features prominently in Dreamtime stories and seasonal calendars used by Aboriginal communities across the country.

Biological Profile: Understanding the Emu as a Species

To fully appreciate why the emu represents Australia so well, one must understand its biology. As the second-tallest bird in the world after the ostrich, adult emus can reach heights of up to 1.9 meters (6.2 feet) and weigh between 18 and 60 kilograms (40–130 pounds). Despite their size, they are incapable of flight due to vestigial wings measuring only about 20 centimeters long.

However, what they lack in aerial ability, they make up for in terrestrial prowess. Emus are powerful runners, capable of sprinting at speeds up to 50 km/h (31 mph) and maintaining a steady pace over long distances. Their three-toed feet and strong legs allow them to traverse vast stretches of outback terrain, making them highly adaptable survivors in harsh climates.

Emus have a varied diet consisting of plants, seeds, fruits, insects, and small animals. They play a crucial ecological role as seed dispersers, helping regenerate native vegetation across different ecosystems. Their breeding behavior is also unique: males take full responsibility for incubating eggs (which last about eight weeks) and caring for chicks, while females may mate with multiple partners during a season.

Cultural Significance Across Indigenous Australia

Long before European settlement, Aboriginal peoples revered the emu as both a physical and spiritual entity. In many Aboriginal cultures, the emu appears in creation myths, often paired with the sun or linked to celestial formations. For example, the dark patches within the Milky Way are interpreted by some groups as the silhouette of an emu in the sky—the “Emu in the Sky”—a constellation formed not by stars but by interstellar dust clouds.

This astronomical interpretation guides seasonal activities such as hunting and gathering. When the Emu in the Sky stands upright near the horizon, it signals the time to collect emu eggs; when it lies flat, it indicates mating season. These observations demonstrate sophisticated environmental literacy passed down through oral traditions for thousands of years.

In addition to mythological importance, emus provided essential resources: meat for food, oil for medicinal and cosmetic use, leather for tools and clothing, and bones for crafting implements. Even today, sustainable emu farming respects these ancestral practices, integrating traditional knowledge into modern agriculture.

Why Isn’t the Kookaburra or Superb Lyrebird the National Bird?

Given Australia’s rich avian diversity—over 800 bird species—it's natural to wonder why other iconic birds like the kookaburra or lyrebird weren't chosen. The kookaburra, famous for its laughter-like call, is beloved and frequently associated with Australian bushland. Similarly, the superb lyrebird, known for its extraordinary mimicry skills, captures public imagination.

Yet, neither matches the emu in terms of symbolic weight and widespread recognition. Unlike songbirds, which are common globally, the emu is uniquely tied to the geography and evolutionary history of Australia. It belongs to the ratite group—flightless birds including ostriches, cassowaries, and kiwis—that evolved in isolation on southern continents. Its presence on the coat of arms gives it institutional legitimacy unmatched by other candidates.

Moreover, selecting a smaller, forest-dwelling bird might overlook the vast inland regions where the emu thrives. Choosing the emu acknowledges the centrality of the outback to Australia’s national narrative.

Emus in Modern Australian Society

Today, the emu remains visible beyond government seals. It appears on various coins, notably the Australian 50-cent piece, and is used by military regiments, sports teams, and conservation organizations as a mascot. Emu farms operate nationwide, producing lean meat, skincare oils, and leather products—all while promoting ethical treatment and habitat preservation.

Interestingly, urban Australians rarely encounter wild emus, yet their image persists in education, tourism, and branding. Schools teach children about the emu’s role in national identity, and wildlife parks offer close-up encounters to foster appreciation. However, human-wildlife conflict occasionally arises, especially during droughts when emus migrate toward farmland in search of food and water.

Conservation Status and Environmental Challenges

The emu is currently listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), thanks to its wide distribution and stable population. Nevertheless, localized threats exist. Habitat fragmentation caused by agricultural expansion, road development, and climate change impacts poses risks to certain subspecies.

Historically, the Tasmanian emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae diemenensis) and the King Island emu went extinct in the 19th century due to overhunting and habitat loss. These losses serve as cautionary tales. Today, conservationists emphasize protecting corridors that allow emus to migrate seasonally and maintain genetic diversity.

Landowners and government agencies collaborate on initiatives such as predator control (especially against feral cats and foxes), fencing modifications to prevent entanglement, and public awareness campaigns. Citizen science projects also encourage reporting emu sightings via mobile apps, aiding researchers in tracking movements and health trends.

How to See Emus in the Wild: A Guide for Birdwatchers

For bird enthusiasts asking 'where to see the national bird of Australia,' several locations offer reliable viewing opportunities:

• Kangaroo Island, South Australia: Home to a genetically distinct population, often seen grazing near coastal scrublands.
• Blue Mountains, New South Wales: Hiking trails like those around Wentworth Falls sometimes reveal emus moving through eucalyptus forests.
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory: Cultural tours often include discussions about the emu’s spiritual significance and chances to spot them at dawn.
• Sturt National Park, NSW: Part of the Corner Country, ideal for observing emus in arid landscapes.

Tips for responsible observation:

1. Maintain a distance of at least 20 meters to avoid stressing the birds.
2. Never feed emus—human food disrupts their digestion and encourages dependency.
3. Visit during cooler parts of the day (early morning or late afternoon) when emus are most active.
4. Use binoculars or a zoom lens for better viewing without intrusion.

Feature	Emu	Ostrich (Comparison)
Height	Up to 1.9 m	Up to 2.8 m
Weight	18–60 kg	60–150 kg
Top Speed	50 km/h	70 km/h
Egg Size	13 cm long, dark green	15 cm long, cream-white
National Symbol Of	Australia	None officially

Common Misconceptions About the Emu

Despite its fame, several myths persist about the emu:

• Myth: Emus are aggressive and dangerous.
  Reality: While protective during breeding season, emus usually flee rather than confront humans. Attacks are rare and typically occur only if cornered or threatened.
• Myth: Emus cannot walk backward.
  Reality: They can move backward, though awkwardly. The idea stems from symbolic interpretations on the coat of arms, not actual physiology.
• Myth: All emus live in deserts.
  Reality: They inhabit a range of environments, including forests, grasslands, and savannas—not just dry zones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is the emu the only national animal symbol of Australia?
A: No. While the emu is considered the national bird, the kangaroo is equally prominent as a national mammal. Together, they appear on the coat of arms and represent forward momentum.

Q: Are there any plans to officially declare the emu as the national bird?
A: As of now, there are no formal legislative efforts underway. However, due to its longstanding de facto status and cultural integration, legal declaration is unlikely to change public perception.

Q: Can you keep an emu as a pet in Australia?
A: Yes, under specific conditions. Private ownership requires permits in most states, adherence to welfare standards, secure fencing, and veterinary oversight. Emus are not domesticated and need large spaces to roam.

Q: Do emus migrate?
A: Emus don’t follow fixed migration routes like some birds, but they do undertake seasonal nomadic movements in response to rainfall, food availability, and breeding cycles.

Q: Why isn’t the wedge-tailed eagle the national bird?
A: Though Australia’s largest bird of prey and culturally significant, the wedge-tailed eagle lacks the emu’s institutional recognition and symbolic duality with the kangaroo on the national crest.