emu, highlights of jungles

Emu is the largest bird of Australia, and second only to the ostrich among the world's birds. Gregarious, rapid runner and capable swimmer, the emu is flightless. It nests in open areas near trees or bushes. The female is very dominating. The roles of the sexes are reversed: the female initiates courtship behavior. Its only function after the breeding season is to lay eggs. The male on its own incubates the eggs for 58 to 63 days and protects the 7 to 12 young ones as soon as they hatch. The male can only grunt, the female utters loud, echoing booms.