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Emu vs Ostrich

Emu vs ostrich
Ostrich is larger on weight
Ostrich is 2.8× emu on weight.

An emu and an ostrich can be compared on 4 measures. The figures below are typical adult or full-size values, with the larger of the two in bold.

Side by side

Larger value in bold. Ranges reflect genuine variation, not uncertainty.
Emu Ostrich
Weight 18–60 kg 63–156 kg
Height 1.5–1.9 m 1.7–2.8 m
Top speed 50 km/h 60–70 km/h
Typical lifespan 10–20 yr 30–50 yr

What the numbers say

  • Ostrich is 2.8× emu on weight.
  • Ostrich is somewhat greater than emu on height — about 1.4×.
  • Ostrich is somewhat greater than emu on top speed — about 1.4×.
  • Ostrich is 3.3× emu on typical lifespan.

Weight compared.

Ostrich 63–156 kg
Emu 18–60 kg

Emu

The second-tallest bird, native to Australia and capable of covering long distances at a steady trot.

Ostrich

The largest and fastest bird, laying eggs that weigh about 1.4 kg each.

This is a comparison of published measurements, nothing more. It describes how two things differ on measures that have been recorded; it does not predict how they would fare against each other in any situation.

Common questions

Which is bigger, emu or ostrich?
Ostrich is 2.8× emu on weight. Both figures are typical values; the full range for each is in the table above.
How do emus and ostriches compare on height?
Emu: 1.5–1.9 m. Ostrich: 1.7–2.8 m. Ostrich is somewhat greater than emu on height — about 1.4×.
How do emus and ostriches compare on top speed?
Emu: 50 km/h. Ostrich: 60–70 km/h. Ostrich is somewhat greater than emu on top speed — about 1.4×.

Related pages

Sources

  1. Wikidata — Wikimedia Foundation (CC0 1.0)
  2. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Smithsonian Institution

How these figures are compiled and checked