Common Emu

The Emu is the second-largest living bird by height. Its feathers are unique because they are double-shafted, appearing as if two feathers grow from one base. Unlike most birds, emus do not have primary wings for flight, so their feathers evolved into long, loose, hair-like structures that help regulate body temperature in the Australian heat.

Muted earth tones; transition from a light cream/white base (calamus) to a charcoal grey or brownish-black tip; provides camouflage

Plumulaceous (loose and downy); lacks the tiny hooklets (barbicels) that normally zip barbs together in flying birds

Thin, flexible rachis that splits into two equal shafts from a single quill (characteristic of ratites); sparse barb density gives a hair-like look

Extremely soft, silky, and hair-like; lacks the rigid surface of flight feathers; non-waterproof and matte

Body plumage, typically from the back or flank regions

Double-shafted morphology (two vanes per quill), hair-like appearance, lack of interlocking barbs, large size

Open plains, sclerophyll forests, and savannah woodlands; avoids dense rainforests and very arid deserts

Endemic to mainland Australia; introduced populations for farming exist globally in zoos and agricultural centers

Major seed disperser in the Australian outback; they consume various fruits and grains, spreading seeds over large distances through their droppings

Double-shafted feathers are also found in Cassowaries, but Cassowary feathers are typically much coarser, stiffer, and darker (jet black)

The emu is the only bird with a double-rachis as a standard feature for all its body feathers. During the heat of the day, these feathers act as insulation, preventing heat from reaching the skin while allowing the bird to remain active.

Used by Indigenous Australians for ceremonial dress and ornaments; currently popular in high-end millinery and 'emu egg' art crafts

Look for the tell-tale 'Y' split at the base where two feathers emerge from one quill. In a zoo setting like Hertfordshire Zoo, these are easily found near emu enclosures during molting season

Good; shows natural separation of barbs; slight curling at the distal tips suggesting it was a naturally molted specimen

Hertfordshire zoo