Flightless bird also included here. Flightless bird Flightless birds are birds that through evolution lost the ability to fly. There are over 60 extant species including the well known ratites (ostrich, emu, cassowary, rhea and kiwi) and penguins. The smallest flightless bird is the Inaccessible Island rail (length 12.5 cm, weight 34.7 g). The largest (both heaviest and tallest) flightless bird, which is also the largest living bird, is the ostrich (2.7 m, 156 kg). Ostriches are farmed for their decorative feathers, meat and their skins, which are used to make leather. Many domesticated birds, such as the domestic chicken and domestic
Emu (ship) Emu (ship) Emu was merchant ship that transported convicts to Australia. An American privateer captured her in 1812 as she was carrying female convicts to Van Diemen's Land. Governor Lachlan Macquarie requested on 30 April 1810 that the British Government supply the colony with two brigs (colonial ships) that would not be subject to the control of the Admiralty. The British government provided "Emu" and "Kangaroo". Lieutenant Alexander Bisset received a letter of marque for "Emu" on 21 September 1812. "Emu" left England in October 1812 with 49 female convicts. While she was en route to Hobart Town, the American