Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Casuariiformes

Family: Dromaiidae

Genus: Dromaiu

Description

The Emu Egg had many fascinating features. Not only is it deep black and larger than most eggs out there compared to other egg laying animals, but it is also designed to be stronger than most other eggs. The main reason for this is because of the harsh conditions these animals and eggs in nature would have to deal with. Desert type climate, extreme weather, predators and many more defenses. Emu eggs are very large (roughly 5 inches long and 3 inches wide) with a thick dark green shell. They weigh anywhere from 1 to 2 pounds and contain the equivalent of nearly 1 dozen chicken eggs. The emu’s diet lends to generous orange yolks and thick whites. The ratio of whites to yolks is 55% to 45 % compared to a chicken egg which is 65% white and 35% yolk.

Natural History

the emu belongs to a group of flightless running birds known as ratites, the most primitive of the modern bird families. The ratite family includes the kiwi, ostrich, cassowary, and rhea, all birds found only in the Southern Hemisphere. The emu is the second-largest living bird in the world (the ostrich is the largest). Adult female emus are larger and heavier than the males. Emus have tiny, useless wings, but their legs are long and powerful. They can travel long distances at a fast trot and can sprint at 30 miles (48 kilometers) per hour for quite a distance. Emus are the only birds with calf muscles. Their feet have three toes and fewer bones and muscles than those of flying birds. Their strong legs also allow the bird to jump 7 feet (2.1 meters) straight up.

Reference:

http://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/emu

http://www.emustore.com/blog/emu-egg-facts-size-weight-and-strength

http://www.specialtyproduce.com/produce/Emu_Eggs_6796.php