Weights, Measurements and Food of the Emu in the Northern Wheatbelt of Western Australia

Summary

During studies of the Emu, Dromaius novachollandiae, in the northern wheatbelt. of Western Australia some weights and measurements were recorded. The average weight of 58 adult Emus was found to be 79·4 lb; females averaged 12·2 lb heavier than males and appeared generally shorter in leg length, than males (average difference, tibio-tarsus 27·7 mm. and tarso-metatarsus 23·3 mm). Of the 18 plant families recorded in the diet. Gramincae, Compositae. Liliaceae and Epacridaceae appeared most frequently.