DeaneBrayas, age 11, of Anadortesp WA

What is an emu.?

The emu is a bird who grows to be five feet tall. In the bird world, he is second in size only to the ostrich, He is not built for flight ands like the ostrich, ate cannot take to the air. But he is a speedy runner and fine swimmer. His plumage is a drabish brown.

The emu loves to race across the plains of his native Australia, Most of the year he races about with groups of his friends, However, Mr, and Mrs: Emu pair off during the breeding season: Mrs. Emu lays up to 12 big eggs in ­a  shallow hole in the ground. Then a strange family life begins.

Papa Emu, who is smaller than Mama, considers that she has now done her duty. He chases her away and settles down to brood on the eggs for eight long patient weeks. He remains in complete charge, even after the babies are hatched, This Papa is nursemaid, baby sitter and foster mother ‑ and loves it.