The soft-feathered, brown, flightless birds reach up to 2 metres (6.6 ft) in height. They have long thin necks and legs. Emus can travel great distances at a fast, economical trot and, if necessary, can sprint at 50 km/h (31 mph) for some distance at a time. Their long legs allow them to take strides of up to 275 centimetres (9.02 ft)which is probably why I had difficulty in catching up to them to get a closer picture. They were closer to us as we wandered around the old town of Innerston but took off quickly, normally they would be curious and hang around but as the mother had two chicks she was more protective.