Rock Pigeons in Hawaii

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Did you know that Rock Pigeons in Hawaii are the most commonly seen and most beautiful birds. They are easily recognized by their sleek Gray feathers and shiny necks. They are also locally known as Hawaiian pigeons. These doves pigeons have adapted remarkably well to both urban areas and natural habitats. They have become accustomed to living with humans almost everywhere, from the streets and roads of Honolulu city in Hawaii to the coastal cliffs. The rock pigeon is part of the Columba livia genus, which includes both wild rock doves and domestic pigeons. Their striking beauty, intelligence, and gentle nature endear them to humans. These Hawaiian pigeons are highly social, often living in groups and eating together. They often eat grains, seeds, and scraps of food left by humans. Their strong instincts, inherited from their wild ancestors, allow them to survive in the harshest environments. These pigeons often nest on rocks, in addition to building under buildings and bridges in citie...
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Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae): The Flightless Giant of Australia

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🦩 Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)

The Emu is one of the most iconic flightless birds of Australia, standing as the second largest bird in the world after the ostrich. Reaching more than 1.5 metres (5 feet) in height and weighing over 45 kg (100 pounds), the Emu is a remarkable creature of the open Australian outback. With its long, powerful legs, it can sprint at speeds of up to 50 km/h (30 mph), making it one of the fastest-running birds on Earth.


Belonging to the family Dromaiidae and the order Casuariiformes (which also includes the cassowaries), the Emu represents an ancient lineage of flightless giants that have roamed Australia for thousands of years.


🌿 A Symbol of the Australian Outback

The Common Emu is a familiar sight across mainland Australia, often found in open woodlands, grasslands, and semi-arid regions. Its brownish plumage provides perfect camouflage against the dry landscape, while its dark grey head and neck make it instantly recognisable. Emus usually travel in small flocks, foraging for fruits, seeds, insects, and even small animals.


🪺 Breeding and Behaviour

Emus are monogamous and often mate for life. Interestingly, it is the male that incubates the eggs. After the female lays 7–10 dark green eggs in a ground nest, the male sits on them for about 60 days without eating or drinking. Once hatched, the striped chicks follow their father, learning to forage and survive in the wild.


🔊 Sounds and Communication

The Emu produces a deep booming call during the breeding season, created by a unique air sac in its trachea. These low-frequency sounds can travel over long distances, helping individuals communicate across the vast open plains.


⚖️ Conservation and Population

Once hunted by European settlers, Emu populations have now stabilised. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the species as Least Concern, with an estimated 630,000+ adult Emus in the wild. However, two close relatives — the King Island Emu and the Kangaroo Island Emu — sadly became extinct in the early 1800s due to overhunting and habitat loss.

📘 Emu Facts at a Glance

📏 Size

  1. Height: Over 1.5 metres
  2. Weight: 45–60 kg
  3. Speed: Up to 50 km/h

🎨 Colour

  1.  Male & Female: Brown plumage, dark grey head and neck
  2.  Chicks: Striped brown and cream down

🏠 Nest

Ground nest made from grass and leaves. The male incubates eggs for ~60 days.

🔊 Call

Deep booming sounds and soft grunts used for communication.

🌍 Range

Found throughout mainland Australia — northern, southeastern, and southwestern regions.

🔎 Quick ID

  1. • Large flightless bird with long legs and neck
  2.  Coarse brown feathers
  3.  Powerful three-toed feet
  4.  Fast runner (up to 50 km/h)

📅 Best Time to Spot

Emus are seen year-round, most active during spring and summer when breeding occurs.

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