Abstract

The foundation of the Australasian Ornithologists' Union (later RAOU) coincided with the federation of the Australian States in 1901. Its journal, Emu, reflected many national concerns and anxieties, as well as those of international ornithology.

Emu claimed a scope that embraced the region, but in practice Australian content dominated contributions. The interests of oology (egg–collecting) and private skin–collectors lent authority to reports about breeding habits from remote places. Theoretical considerations in early decades included intracontinental biogeography, migration and movement and life histories.

Economic ornithology, or the promotion of birds 'useful' to primary producers, provided a rationale for increasing legislative protection of indigenous birds, and also for the foundation of the Gould League in 1909. Bird–protection was a major concern of the union.

The balance between the popular and the scientifically valuable has varied in Emu over the century. Since 1968, when Stephen Marchant was appointed editor, professional scientific standards (including refereeing) have been required of contributors. In 2001, following a review, CSIRO Publishing took over the management of the journal on behalf of Birds Australia/RAOU. The new subtitle, Austral Ornithology, reflects a regional scope consistent with the aspirations of the union's founders.