The Emu Is Still A Protected Bird But Is Now A Nuisance

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 58, 28 February 1949, Page 4

The Emu Is Still A Protected Bird But Is Now A Nuisance

The emu, Australia’s version of the ostrich, which was once in danger of becoming extinct, has so increased under the law protection that it is making a serious nuisance of itself in western Victoria by damaging crops and breaking down fences. A mob of these giant birds cheerfully scratching up the green shoots on a farm is no joke, and the farmers can do little about it as the emu is a protected bird. In the early days there were large numbers of emus in Australia, but they were ruthlessly hunted by the settlers, who valued them for their flesh, and their eggs. Their numbers dwindled rapidly, and in Tasmania they disappeared. Next to the ostrich the emu is the world’s largest living bird. Emus have only rudimentary wings, but they can run very swiftly and can also swim. Mrs Emu makes father do most of the work of hatching out the chicks—she is larger than he and more aggressive. While he is busy being broody she utters a loud booming noise. When the chicks appear they look as though they wear striped football jerseys.