Emu vs. Rhea — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 2, 2024
Emus are large, flightless birds native to Australia, characterized by their shaggy, brown feathers, while rheas are South American birds, smaller and with smoother plumage.
Difference Between Emu and Rhea
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Emus are the second-largest living bird by height, native exclusively to Australia. They typically reach up to 6 feet in height. On the other hand, rheas are native to South America and are generally smaller, with a maximum height of about 5 feet.
Emus have a distinctive brown plumage that appears shaggy and provides excellent camouflage in their natural habitat. Whereas, rheas have more uniform gray or brown feathers which are smoother and less shaggy, adapted to the open grasslands and pampas where they live.
The diet of an emu primarily consists of plants and insects, reflecting their omnivorous nature. On the other hand, rheas are predominantly herbivorous but will occasionally eat insects, small animals, and birds when available.
Emus are known for their strong legs, which allow them to run at speeds of up to 30 mph, making them highly efficient runners over long distances. In contrast, rheas are also capable runners but generally reach top speeds of about 40 mph for shorter bursts.
In terms of social behavior, emus can often be seen in pairs or small groups and are less territorial compared to other bird species. Rheas, however, display more complex social structures, often forming large flocks that can consist of up to 30 individuals during non-breeding season.
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Comparison Chart
Native Habitat
Australia
South America
Height
Up to 6 feet
Up to 5 feet
Plumage
Shaggy, brown feathers
Smoother, gray/brown feathers
Diet
Omnivorous
Mostly herbivorous
Running Speed
Up to 30 mph
Up to 40 mph
Compare with Definitions
Emu
Large flightless bird.
The emu is one of the largest birds native to Australia.
Rhea
Capable of fast running.
Rheas can reach top speeds of 40 mph in short bursts.
Emu
Brown shaggy feathers.
The emu's brown shaggy feathers help it blend into the Australian bush.
Rhea
Primarily herbivorous.
Rheas predominantly eat plants but occasionally consume small animals.
Emu
Fast runner.
An emu can sprint at speeds up to 30 mph.
Rhea
Smooth gray or brown feathers.
Rheas have smoother feathers compared to emus.
Emu
Native to Australia.
Emus are only found naturally in Australia.
Rhea
Forms large flocks.
Rheas often gather in flocks of up to 30 individuals.
Emu
Omnivorous diet.
Emus eat a variety of plants and insects.
Rhea
Flightless bird of South America.
The rhea is native to the open plains of South America.
Emu
The emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is the second-largest living bird by height, after its ratite relative, the ostrich. It is endemic to Australia where it is the largest native bird and the only extant member of the genus Dromaius.
Rhea
Greek Mythology The sister and wife of Cronus and the mother of Demeter, Hades, Hera, Hestia, Poseidon, and Zeus.
Emu
A large, flightless Australian bird (Dromaius novaehollandiae) that has shaggy brown plumage and is raised for its meat, oil, and leather.
Rhea
A satellite of Saturn.
Emu
(obsolete) A cassowary (genus Casuarius).
Rhea
Either of two large flightless South American birds, Rhea americana or R. pennata (syn. Pterocnemia pennata), having gray-brown plumage, a long neck and legs, and three-toed feet.
Emu
A large flightless bird native to Australia, Dromaius novaehollandiae.
Rhea
A large flightless bird of the genus Rhea, native to South America.
Emu
(physics) electromagnetic unit
Rhea
Ramie (Boehmeria nivea), a fiber-yielding plant.
Emu
Clipping of emulator
Rhea
The ramie or grass-cloth plant. See Grass-cloth plant, under Grass.
Emu
A large Australian bird, of two species (Dromaius Novæ-Hollandiæ and D. irroratus), related to the cassowary and the ostrich. The emu runs swiftly, but is unable to fly.
Rhea
Any one of three species of large South American ostrichlike birds of the genera Rhea and Pterocnemia. Called also the American ostrich.
Emu
Any of various systems of units for measuring electricity and magnetism
Rhea
Fertility goddess in ancient Greek mythology; wife of Cronus and mother of Zeus; identified with Roman Ops and Cybele of ancient Asia Minor
Emu
Large Australian flightless bird similar to the ostrich but smaller
Rhea
Smaller of two tall fast-running flightless birds similar to ostriches but three-toed; found from Peru to Strait of Magellan
Rhea
Larger of two tall fast-running flightless birds similar to ostriches but three-toed; found from Brazil to Patagonia
Common Curiosities
Are rheas social birds?
Yes, rheas are quite social and often found in large flocks, especially outside of the breeding season.
Can emus fly?
No, emus are flightless birds.
How do emus and rheas adapt to their environments?
Emus are adapted to diverse environments across Australia with their camouflage plumage, while rheas are adapted to the open grasslands of South America with their running ability.
Which bird can run faster, an emu or a rhea?
Rheas can run faster than emus in short bursts, reaching speeds of up to 40 mph.
What is the native habitat of an emu?
Emus are native to various regions across Australia.
How tall can a rhea grow?
Rheas can grow up to about 5 feet tall.
What are the main differences in the plumage of emus and rheas?
Emus have shaggy, brown feathers, while rheas have smoother, more uniform gray or brown feathers.
What is the breeding behavior of rheas compared to emus?
Rheas have notable breeding behaviors where males incubate the eggs and care for the young, which is similar to emus where males also take a primary role in nurturing.
What role do emus play in Australian culture?
Emus are significant in Australian Aboriginal mythology and are also featured on the Australian coat of arms.
Why can't rheas fly despite having wings?
Rheas have wings but they are too small to support flight, much like emus.
What type of diet do emus follow?
Emus are omnivores, consuming both plant material and insects.
Do emus have any predators?
Yes, emus can be preyed upon by dingoes and birds of prey in Australia.
How are emus and rheas similar?
Both emus and rheas are large, flightless birds with strong legs adapted to running.
What threats do rheas face in their natural habitat?
Rheas face threats from habitat loss and hunting in their native South American environments.
How do the social structures of emus and rheas differ?
Emus are typically seen in smaller groups or pairs, while rheas form larger, more organized flocks.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
