The Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is a large, flightless bird that is native to Australia. With its distinctive brown feathers and long legs, the Emu is a familiar sight across much of the Australian landscape. But is this iconic bird actually Australia’s official national bird? Let’s take a closer look at the Emu and its standing as a national symbol for Australia.
What is a National Bird?
A national bird is an official symbol and representative of a country. Much like a national flag or emblem, it is meant to encapsulate something iconic or meaningful about that nation and its values. Countries choose national birds for various reasons – because the species is native, prominent in folklore, or exhibits traits that resonate with the national character. The United States has the bald eagle, known for its strength, spirit of freedom, and regal bearing. Meanwhile, Scotland’s national bird is the Scottish crossbill, selected for its uniqueness to the highlands.
When a bird becomes endorsed as the official national bird, it is a symbolic gesture that highlights the importance of that species to the country’s natural heritage. The national bird can become a point of pride and rallying image for the nation. It may be featured on coins, postage stamps, and other patriotic imagery. Scientists and wildlife officials usually advise the government on selecting an appropriate avian representative.
Birds on Australia’s Coat of Arms
Australia does not officially have a designated national bird. However, the coat of arms does feature native Australian animals as supporters – the red kangaroo and the emu. The emu holds a special place in Australian Aboriginal mythology as a totemic creature and constellation. Many cultures consider it a symbol of wisdom and the spiritual protector of the land.
This storied significance made the emu a clear choice for the coat of arms when it was adopted in 1908. The emu earned its place next to the kangaroo as an emblem of the Australian nation. But despite the emu’s visibility on the coat of arms, no legislation or formal declaration has ever made it the official national bird of the Commonwealth of Australia. The distinction is purely symbolic.
Why Hasn’t Australia Chosen a National Bird?
There are a few reasons why Australia has not designated an official national bird even though the emu functions as an informal representative:
- Australia values all of its endemic avifauna – With a spectacular diversity of native parrots, songbirds, birds of prey, waterfowl, and more, Australia does not want to elevate one species above the others. The emu’s place on the coat of arms recognizes its significance without making it officially exclusive.
- Concerns that it would discriminate against states – Selecting a single national bird could be viewed as discriminate against the unique state emblems. Each Australian state already has its own official bird.
- Difficulty achieving consensus – With many worthy native birds to choose from, getting unanimous nationwide agreement on one national bird poses a challenge.
So while the emu serves in practice as Australia’s national emblem, the lack of an official legislative process prevents it from being the undisputed national bird. Australia values all its native birds and does not currently see a need to formally elevate any single species.
The Case for the Emu as National Bird
Though not official, one could argue the emu has a strong claim to the title of Australia’s national bird because:
- It is uniquely Australian – The emu is found across Australia and nowhere else in the wild, making it a true endemic representative.
- Central role in Aboriginal mythology – Culturally significant as a totemic creature featured in creation stories and constellations.
- Already recognized on coat of arms – Was selected in 1908 as an official national symbol and emblem due to its cultural heritage.
- Prominent natural icon – Large size and distinctive appearance make the emu a recognizable symbol of the Australian landscape.
As the second largest bird in the world after the ostrich, the emu is a hard-to-miss fixture across Australia from woodlands to savanna grasslands. On coins, stamps, and official imagery, the emu has come to epitomize the spirit of the Australian wilderness over the past century.
Other Birds Closely Associated with Australia
While the emu has a strong claim, there are a few other birds that have become icons for Australia:
- Southern cassowary – This large, flightless rainforest bird is only found in Northern Queensland. It is a significant cultural symbol for Aboriginal clans of the region.
- Kookaburra – This kingfisher species is known for its laughter-like call. The laughing kookaburra is a common sound in the forests across Eastern Australia.
- Budgerigar – This small, long-tailed parrot with a bright yellow head is found across most of Australia. Budgerigars are popular household pets around the world.
- Black swan – While found elsewhere, Australia hosts important black swan breeding habitats. The black swan is Western Australia’s state emblem bird.
- Lyrebird – Renowned for their incredible mimicking ability. Lyrebirds are valued as symbols of the eastern forests where they live.
However, none of these species have the nationwide recognition or cultural gravitas to challenge the emu’s unofficial status. The cassowary, kookaburra, budgerigar, black swan, and lyrebird are more localized symbols.
What About the Kangaroo?
As the national animal of Australia, the red kangaroo often stands alongside the emu. But kangaroos are marsupials rather than birds. While the debate continues around Australia’s national bird status, the stalwart kangaroo is already firmly established as the national mammal. Selecting one animal would not prevent the other from also holding national prominence.
Emu Facts
Here are some key facts about the emu that highlight why it resonates as a national symbol:
- Average height up to 6 feet
- Weight between 90 to 130 pounds
- Speeds up to 30 miles per hour
- Lifespan up to 10 to 20 years in the wild
- Omnivorous, feeds on plants, insects, and small animals
- Male incubates eggs and raises young
- Only native bird with calf muscles allowing fast kicks in defense
- Feathers used in Aboriginal ceremonial garments
- Appear on Australian coat of arms, coins, and stamps
- Population estimated between 630,000 to 725,000
The emu is the second largest bird in the world and the largest native bird in Australia. With their imposing size, loud bellowing calls, and ability to defend themselves with powerful kicks, emus command attention. These resilient, iconic birds are found across Australia in almost any open habitat.
Conclusion
While not officially designated, the emu can be considered Australia’s unofficial national bird. It has served as an avian emblem since appearing on the coat of arms in 1908 alongside the kangaroo. No other native Australian bird has the same nationwide recognition or cultural symbolism. The emu’s unique stature in Aboriginal mythology and as a Spirit of the Land sets it apart. This great flightless bird epitomizes the spirit of Australia’s untamed wilderness perhaps more than any other. So while debates continue over official national bird status, most Australians already see the emu as an avian symbol of their country.