Family: Dromaiidae
Description
This family would contain a single genus with huge, flightless birds from Australia.
The plumage has a loose, hair-like appearance. An unique feature is a cleft in the ventral region of the trachea, frontally covered by an expandable pouch. The Emu can produce booming and drumming sounds driving air through this cleft.
Taxonomy
Dromaiidae was a monotypic family in the order Casuariiformes. It's now included in the family Casuariidae.
It was formerly included in the order Struthioniformes.
References
- Del Hoyo, J, A Elliot, and J Sargatal, eds. 1992. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 1: Ostrich to Ducks. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8487334108
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Dromaiidae. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 8 May 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Dromaiidae
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