Emu feathers, despite being less common, offer unique attributes for fly tying:
Versatility in creating nymphs and streamers
Ease of handling due to their long, elastic stems and dense, uniformly sized barbs
Varied softness throughout the length of the feather, providing a natural, joint-like appearance underwater
Ability to mimic insect features like legs and antennae
Ideal for crafting gills on larger mayflies or stoneflies nymphs
Valuable in designing tails, bodies, and sides for streamers
Provides resilience against fish bites and generates enticing movements when submerged
Emu feathers may not be widely accessible but are treasured in fly tying for their distinctive characteristics and wide-ranging applications.
Emu Overview:
The emu, Australia’s largest native bird and sole surviving member of the Dromaius genus, stands as the world’s second-tallest bird, trailing only the ostrich. Sporting soft brown feathers, this flightless bird boasts impressive height, reaching up to 1.9 meters (6 ft 3 in), with long legs and neck. Emus are renowned for their extensive travel capabilities, clocking speeds of 48 km/h (30 mph) and feeding on diverse plants and insects. Breeding season spans May and June, during which females compete for mates, while males undertake egg incubation, losing considerable weight in the process. Emus hold a significant place in Australian culture, adorning the nation’s coat of arms and coins, and featuring prominently in Indigenous Australian folklore. Although not endangered as a species, localized populations face threats from egg predation, road incidents, and habitat fragmentation.
« Back to Glossary Index