emus and ostriches are both flightless birds belonging to the family flightless bird. They are the largest living ratites and are therefore often confused.
It doesn’t help that they look so similar, with big eyes, charmingly goofy faces and long, slender necks and legs.
However, it’s not that hard to tell these birds apart once you know what you’re looking for. They are different in size, color, habitat and more. Even their eggs are much different from each other.
Read all about comparing these two birds below!
Compare Ostrich to Emu
Ostriches and emus are very similar, but they are very different. One is that there is only one emu species while there are two different types of ostriches: the common ostrich and the Somali ostrich.
| Emu | Ostrich | |
| Measure | Up to 7 feet tall and 150 pounds | Up to 9 feet tall and 320 pounds |
| Lifespan | 10-20 years | 30-50 years |
| Habitat | Australia | Africa |
| wings | Small, discreet wings | Large wings with a maximum wingspan of more than 6 feet |
| Feet | 3 toes | 2 toes |
| Eggs | Dark green; 1-1.4 pounds | Cream; 3 pounds |
| eating pattern | Mostly herbivores | omnivores |
| Speed | Up to 30 mph | Up to 45 mph |
| Colour | Dark brown to black | Dark brown to abdomen with white spots. Usually pink or white on legs, face and neck |
The 9 main differences between ostriches and emus
1. Ostriches are much bigger
Emus are beautiful big birds. They stand up to 7 feet tall and can weigh as much as 150 pounds. However, ostriches get even bigger!
Ostriches can grow up to 9 feet in height and weigh as much as 320 pounds.
2. Emus live shorter lives
Unfortunately, emus only live about 10-20 years. The oldest emu ever recorded was 38 years old.
Ostriches, on the other hand, live very long lives of 30-50 years. In captivity, some ostriches live more than 60 years.
3. They live on different continents
Both ratites live in warm habitats, but they are in very different parts of the world. Ostriches live in the deserts of Africa, while emus make up most of Australia.
4. Emus have smaller wings
An emu’s wings are harder to spot than an ostrich’s wings. One reason for this is their size: the wingspan of the emu is much smaller.
Coloring also plays a role. While ostriches often have white-tipped wings that contrast with their dark-colored bodies, the color of the emu is more consistent.
A unique feature of the ostrich is their two-toed legs. Most birds, including emus, have three toes per foot.
Ostrich feet are also designed for speed, with long tendons that allow them to run up to 45 miles per hour.
6. Emu eggs are smaller
If you’re around a flightless bird that has just laid eggs, it’s incredibly easy to tell them apart by looking at the shells. Emu eggs are dark green in color and small, weighing about a pound.
Ostrich eggs are cream colored and weigh up to three pounds.
7. Ostriches are omnivores
eating ostriches mostly plants, but also insects and small reptiles are part of their diet.
Emus are mostly herbivores that eat seeds, fruits and flowers. However, they may occasionally eat an insect if the opportunity arises.
8. Ostriches run up to 45 miles per hour
Emus are slightly slower than ostriches and run at top speeds of 30 miles per hour. Ostriches have long tendons in their feet that allow them to run up to 45 miles per hour!
9. Emus are darker in color
As we discussed above, ostriches sometimes have white wing tips. They may also have white bellies. Emus, on the other hand, are dark everywhere.
Even their face, neck and feet are dark colored. Ostriches, by comparison, often have pink or white necks, faces and feet.