Emus are very large birds. They can reach about six feet (about two meters) in height and weigh between 110 and 120 pounds. Some captive Emus will even exceed 120 pounds. Emus have rudimentary wings that are about 1/10 the length of their bodies. They have brown plumage that is very dark when new and then pales to light brown before molting. The bases of the feathers are white and each feather has two shafts. The barbs on the feathers are widely spaced and resemble hair, as opposed to the firm vane made by feathers on most birds. Feathers near the base of the spine have long barbs and resemble a mop like tail. The Emu's head and neck are often featherless and has a bluish color. The males and females are almost identical in appearance. Females generally outweigh males somewhat and, prior to laying eggs, the female has black feathers on the head and neck. Emu chicks are cream with brown stripes and dark dots on the head. Emus live five to ten years in the wild and can live much longer in captivity.
