Emu

This feather represents the unique evolutionary path of the Emu, the second-largest living bird. Standing up to 6 feet tall, the Emu possesses shaggy, mop-like plumage that looks more like fur than typical bird feathers. These feathers grow in pairs from a single follicle, a trait shared only with other ratites like cassowaries.

Dull brownish-grey to tan base; darker toward the tips. The color is melanin-based and provides effective camouflage in dry scrublands.

Plumulaceous (downy) and loose; lacks the hooks (barbicels) that lock barbs together, resulting in a floppy, hair-like appearance.

Thin, flexible, off-white rachis. Barbs are sparsely distributed and long, creating a wispy texture. The rachis is relatively uniform in thickness.

Extremely soft, silky, and hair-like; matte surface with no gloss or water-repellent sheen.

Body feather (covers the trunk and back). Determined by the characteristic double-shafted origin at a single quill, unique to ratites.

Double-shafted structure (two feathers from one quill), hair-like barbs, lack of interlocking vanes, and a muted grey-brown coloration.

Savannas, grasslands, sclerophyll forests, and desert edges; avoids very dense forests.

Endemic to mainland Australia; found across most of the continent except for the rainforests and extremely arid regions.

Important seed dispersers; they consume large quantities of fruit and spread seeds over long distances in their droppings. Classified as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN.

Southern Cassowary (feathers are usually darker/blacker and coarser) and Ostrich (feathers are much larger and fluffier).

Emus are flightless birds that can run up to 30 mph. During the breeding season, the male incubates the eggs for 8 weeks, losing substantial body weight because he does not eat or drink during this time.

Used by Aboriginal Australians for decorative ornaments (headdresses) and ceremonies. Historically used in the 'Great Emu War' of 1932. Used today in arts, crafts, and high-end fashion millinery.

Look for these feathers in Australian scrubland near watering holes or under shade trees where emus rest during the midday heat.

Excellent; the barbs are mostly intact and show no signs of heavy wear, fault bars, or parasite damage.