Sunday, May 9, 2010

A Mistaken Mom

This week's PhotoHunt theme is Mom

Last winter (July) as we were headed to Coober Pedy I saw this Emu Mom and her chicks.  Well, at least at the time I thought it was a mom.  I have since learned that once the female emu lays the eggs (the number of eggs depends on climatic conditions) the male takes over.  He will incubate the eggs for about 8 weeks.  During that time, he hardly leaves the nest and does not eat much.  Once the chicks are born they will stay with their father for about 18 months.  You can find out more about Emus on my post over here.

2 comments:

  1. Hi Maya, that's a really great photo. And that is so interesting that in the Emu family the dad incubates the eggs and then nutures the babies rather than the mom. Very cool new thing to learn about.

    Have a great week.

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  2. Awww... what a great dad! And nice photo too! :)

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