Australia (AUSTRALIA)
emu
Emu, Dromaius novaehollandiae
Although the government has never made a formal designation, it is widely believed that the emus is Australia's national bird. Both the emu and the red wallaby appear on Australia's coat of arms and are subsequently printed on the country's passports, government emblems and 50 cent coins. It is said that these two animals were chosen because they did not walk backwards, and this symbolized the progress and progress of a young country.
Emus appeared on a variety of stamps, including the 100th anniversary stamp of the 2 pence of NSW issued in 1888; Ordinary standard stamps valued at 6p issued in 1913-1914 and 6p surcharge stamps issued in 1930; Issued in 1994 with a value of $1.35, and issued in 2010 with a value of 55 cents, the Australian Commemorative Coin-themed stamp was issued.
Where to watch: Emus is found in most parts of Australia. It is also commercially farmed to produce low-fat meat, oil and leather.
Species endangerment level: low risk
Conservation status: It is estimated that there are 630 000 to 725 000 adult individuals in the wild.
Body size: 1.5 to 1.9 meters long, 30 to 45 kg weight.
Description: Large birds with fluffy feathers, dark brown or gray-brown throughout, long legs; Unable to fly. The third largest bird in the world, after the ostrich and the double-weeping crane ostrich. The three-toed foot is huge and powerful, allowing it to run easily and quickly on the ground at a speed of 48 kilometers per hour. The emu is the only extant species in this genus.
Diet: Omnivorous. Emus feeds on plant seeds, fruits, flowers and soft roots, as well as a variety of insects and small invertebrates. They swallow stones weighing up to 46 grams to help grind the food in the sand sack.
Breeding method: Courtship and pairing occur in December and January of the following year. They lay their eggs in shallow depressions covered with vegetation, and the eggs are cyan or dark green. The number of eggs in the nest is 5 to 15, and the total weight can reach 450 to 650 grams. The incubation time will last for 8 weeks. Both the eggs and chicks are cared for by the males
Range: Endemic to Australia.
Habitat types: Distributed in a variety of habitats, with particular preference for sclerophyll vegetation (a general term for sclerophytes, such as acacia and eucalyptus) and semi-arid plains. They tend to be far away from deserts and densely populated areas, and do not appear in tropical rainforests.
I hope this book will show the diversity and beauty of the world's birds, and the importance of protecting birds and all other wildlife, after all, we have shared such a wonderful and precious planet together.
--Ron Ron Toft Winchester, January 2014