Where “Emu” Comes From
The emu is the largest bird native to Australia and the second largest in the world after the ostrich. It can’t fly, but it can run fast and swim. It lives across much of the continent.
The emu and the red kangaroo appear on Australia’s coat of arms. The word “emu” is thought to come from a Portuguese word for a large bird.
“The emu ran across the road.”
How Aussies Actually Use It
You’ll hear it in the outback, in farm stories and in national symbols.
In Real Life
Emus are an iconic Australian animal, found on farms, in national parks and sometimes on country roads. The father incubates the eggs and looks after the chicks. In 1932 soldiers were sent to Western Australia to cull emus damaging crops, and the failed effort became known as the “Emu War”. The story still makes people laugh.
Quick Questions
Can emus fly?
No. They’re flightless, but they run fast.
What was the Emu War?
A 1932 military attempt in Western Australia to control emus that was largely unsuccessful.
Say It Like an Aussie
Say it: EE-myoo.
In conversation:
- We saw an emu on the highway.
- An emu can run very fast.
- The emu and kangaroo are on the coat of arms.
Good to know: Emus can be unpredictable and kick hard. If you see one in the wild, keep your distance and never approach nesting birds.
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