Emu
Main Characteristics of Ratites
- There are 13 species of ratites.
- They are divided into five families: ostriches, rheas, cassowaries, emus, and kiwis.
- They live in Africa, Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand and South America.
- Ratites are flightless birds.
- They can't fly because they are too heavy, their wings are too small, and their muscles aren't strong enough.
- They have strong legs and toes that help them run fast.
- These birds are carnivores and eat insects.
- The largest ratite is the ostrich, which is also the biggest and heaviest bird in the world, reaching a height of 9.1 feet (2.8 meters) .
- The smallest ratite is the little spotted kiwi, which measures about 14-18 inches (35-45 cm) long.
