Ostrich vs. Emu — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 3, 2023
Ostrich is a large flightless bird native to Africa with long legs and neck. Emu is a large flightless bird native to Australia, slightly smaller than an ostrich.
Difference Between Ostrich and Emu
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
The Ostrich, native to Africa, stands as the world's tallest bird, whereas the Emu, hailing from Australia, is the second tallest. Both are members of the ratite family, flightless birds with flat breastbones.
Distinctively, the Ostrich has two toes on each foot, one much larger than the other, which is unique among birds. The Emu, conversely, has three toes on each foot. The anatomy of their feet showcases adaptations to their respective environments.
Feather-wise, Ostrich feathers are soft, fluffy, and are often used in fashion and decoration. Emu feathers are double-shafted, making them appear bushier. They serve as good insulation for the bird in varying Australian climates.
The Ostrich, on average, is heavier and faster, reaching speeds up to 45 miles per hour. The Emu, while smaller, can still clock impressive speeds, around 30 miles per hour. Both birds utilize their strong legs for defense and swift escape.
Interestingly, both birds lay large eggs, but the Ostrich egg is the largest of any bird, typically weighing over 3 pounds. The Emu egg, though smaller in comparison, is still significant in size and has a dark greenish color.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Native Region
Africa
Australia
Number of Toes
Two
Three
Feather Type
Soft and fluffy
Double-shafted, bushier
Speed
Up to 45 miles per hour
Up to 30 miles per hour
Egg Size & Color
Largest bird egg, over 3 pounds, creamy color
Dark greenish color, smaller than ostrich
Compare with Definitions
Ostrich
Native to African grasslands
You can spot the Ostrich roaming the African plains.
Emu
Has three toes on each foot
The footprints with three toes are from the Emu.
Ostrich
World's tallest flightless bird
The Ostrich towered over the other animals at the safari.
Emu
Covered in bushy, double-shafted feathers
The Emu's thick feathers provide insulation.
Ostrich
Possesses two toes on each foot
The two-toed footprints belong to the Ostrich.
Emu
Second tallest flightless bird
The Emu is slightly shorter than the ostrich.
Ostrich
Struthio is a genus of birds in the order Struthioniformes, whose members are the ostriches. It is part of the infra-class Palaeognathae, a diverse group of flightless birds also known as ratites that includes the emus, rheas, and kiwis.
Emu
Native to Australian environments
The Emu is a common sight in the Australian outback.
Ostrich
Either of two large, swift-running flightless birds (Struthio camelus or S. molybdophanes) of Africa, characterized by a long bare neck, small head, and two-toed feet. Ostriches are the largest living birds.
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.
Ostrich
A rhea.
Emu
A large, flightless Australian bird (Dromaius novaehollandiae) that has shaggy brown plumage and is raised for its meat, oil, and leather.
Ostrich
One who tries to avoid disagreeable situations by refusing to face them.
Emu
(obsolete) A cassowary (genus Casuarius).
Ostrich
(ornithology) A large flightless bird of the genus Struthio.
Emu
A large flightless bird native to Australia, Dromaius novaehollandiae.
Ostrich
The most widespread species of the genus, known as the common ostrich (Struthio camelus).
Emu
(physics) electromagnetic unit
Ostrich
(figurative) One who buries one's head in the sand instead of acknowledging problems.
Emu
Clipping of emulator
Ostrich
(golf) The hypothetical completion of a hole five strokes under par (a quintuple birdie, quadruple eagle, triple albatross, or double condor).
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.
Ostrich
A large bird of the genus Struthio, of which Struthio camelus of Africa is the best known species. It has long and very strong legs, adapted for rapid running; only two toes; a long neck, nearly bare of feathers; and short wings incapable of flight. The adult male is about eight feet high.
Emu
Any of various systems of units for measuring electricity and magnetism
Ostrich
A person who refuses to face reality or recognize the truth (a reference to the popular notion that the ostrich hides from danger by burying its head in the sand)
Emu
Large Australian flightless bird similar to the ostrich but smaller
Ostrich
Fast-running African flightless bird with two-toed feet; largest living bird
Emu
Lays dark greenish eggs
The large green egg belongs to the Emu.
Ostrich
Known for its fast running speed
The Ostrich sprinted away at incredible speed.
Ostrich
Lays the largest eggs among birds
The hefty egg in the exhibit is from an Ostrich.
Common Curiosities
Are both the Ostrich and Emu flightless?
Yes, both the Ostrich and Emu are flightless birds.
What's unique about the Ostrich's toes?
The Ostrich has two toes on each foot, which is unusual among birds.
Where is the Emu native to?
The Emu is native to Australia.
Can both birds be found in the wild?
Yes, while the Ostrich can be found in Africa, the Emu roams in Australia.
Is the Emu the national bird of any country?
Yes, the Emu is considered one of the national symbols of Australia.
Are Ostrich feathers used in fashion?
Yes, Ostrich feathers are often used in fashion and decoration due to their softness.
Which bird is taller, the Ostrich or Emu?
The Ostrich is taller than the Emu.
Which bird lays a larger egg, the Ostrich or Emu?
The Ostrich lays the largest bird egg, even larger than that of the Emu.
How fast can an Emu run?
An Emu can run up to 30 miles per hour.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Law vs. Lore
Next Comparison
Battle vs. WarAuthor Spotlight
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.
