Wikipedia:Featured article candidates/Emu/archive3
- The following is an archived discussion of a featured article nomination. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the article's talk page or in Wikipedia talk:Featured article candidates. No further edits should be made to this page.
The article was promoted by Graham Beards via FACBot (talk) 18:31, 6 September 2015 [1].
Contents
- Nominator(s): Cwmhiraeth (talk) 18:05, 1 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
This article is about the emu from Australia, the second largest bird in the world after the ostrich. It is a former featured article, but this status was revoked after a FAR in 2011. I think I have addressed all the issues raised at that time, added further information, removed some information, added citations, polished up the prose and tried to make the article as presentable as possible. Its an interesting bird (there was even an Emu War at one time) and I look forward to your comments and criticisms. This is a WikiCup nomination. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 18:05, 1 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
Comments from Aa77zz
editThis article still needs work. A book published in 2002 might be useful: Davies, S.J.J.F. (2002). Ratites and Tinamous: Tinamidae, Rheidae, Dromaiidae, Casuariidae, Apterygidae, Struthionidae (Bird Families of the World). Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0198549963.
- "; three subspecies are recognised." Not closely related to first part of sentence and the text below states that only two subspecies are now recognised.
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 06:17, 5 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- "batches of eggs" clutches?
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 06:17, 5 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- "but have been known to go for weeks without food." repetition of food - "without eating"?
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 06:17, 5 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- "Emus can live between ten and twenty years in the wild..." but text below has "In captivity, emus can live for upward of ten years."
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 06:17, 5 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- "The bird features prominently in Indigenous Australian mythology and the word "emu" occurs in hundreds of place names." - two ideas in same sentence implies that they are linked - but the word "emu" and places are not based on Indigenous names.
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 06:17, 5 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- " in Arthur Phillip's Voyage to Botany Bay, published in 1789." it would be nice to also cite the Phillips description itself which includes a picture: Philip, Authur (1789). The voyage of Governor Phillip to Botany Bay. London: Printed by John Stockdale. pp. 271–272.
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 06:17, 5 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- etymology Ref 9 Boles - source is unsuitable
- Replaced. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 12:37, 5 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot - nice to also cite original publication: Vieillot, Louis Jean Pierre (1816). Analyse d'une nouvelle ornithologie élémentaire. Paris: Deteville. pp. 54, 70.
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 06:17, 5 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- "The below cladogram is from their study." Their? The authors haven't been mentioned.
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 19:27, 4 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- "after which the disoriented emus were easy to catch after they had drunk the water." repetition.
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 06:17, 5 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- "and weigh between 700 and 900 grams (1.5 and 2.0 lb)," This is sourced to a Reader's Digest book. A more scholarly source should be used. Also, the weight seems too large - HBW has 450–650 g.
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 19:27, 4 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- "They stand about 12 centimetres (5 in) tall at first, weigh 0.5 kg" Why spell out centimetres and abbreviate kg?
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 06:17, 5 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- "seven months, defending them...the young emus are defended by their father" repetition
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 06:17, 5 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- "catching emus in nets," catching 'them' in nets
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 06:17, 5 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- "some wild populations are at risk of local extinction due to the small size of their populations." repetition
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 06:17, 5 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- NSW spell out
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 06:17, 5 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Why are a few articles placed in the References section? Only Eastman 1969 needs to be there. Howarth is only 3 pages.
- Others removed. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 19:27, 4 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Stiglec et al is listed but not cited.
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 19:27, 4 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Ref 1 Patterson: provide link to BHL
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 19:27, 4 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Ref 7 Gould: needs page numbers pp. 200-203
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 19:27, 4 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Ref 9 Boles: this is an unsuitable source. Boles cites Marchant and Higgins which would be better.
- This is the Australian Museum and Boles is a published author, see Ref 13. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 19:27, 4 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Ref 10 www.mdahlem.net: Publisher? What makes this a reliable source?
- Replaced. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 19:27, 4 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Ref 12 Alexander: link title to open access SORA archive
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 19:27, 4 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Ref 15 Mitchell: don't link titles that aren't open access - doi suffices
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 19:27, 4 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Ref 30 Bruce: needs a {{subscription required}}
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 19:27, 4 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Ref 39 Barker: needs a year - worldcat suggest 1989/90
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 19:27, 4 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Ref 41 Powel: needs full title "Leaf and branch : trees and tall shrubs of Perth" and place of publication. Why is a quote included for this cite only?
- Removed. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 19:27, 4 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Ref 44 Prickly pear: title linked but not free access. A version dated 2015 is available from here
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 19:27, 4 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Ref 50 Reader's Digest: Better sources are available. Title shouldn't be linked to wiki article, year and place of publication? Worldcat has 1977/8.
- Replaced. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 19:27, 4 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Ref 53 Taylor: volume should be after journal title and need doi=10.1007/s002650050677
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 19:27, 4 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Ref 67 Nicholls: this is a book with an isbn=0-642-57869-9 - see worldcat
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 19:27, 4 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Ref 70 Saravanan: missing period after initial
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 19:27, 4 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Ref Eastman: title shouldn't be linked to google book when not open access
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 19:27, 4 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
I hope this helps. Aa77zz (talk) 11:14, 4 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Thanks for your comments. I will work my way through them. Cwmhiraeth (talk)
I notice that many of the citations were added before the involvement of the nominating editor. Although I have access to many scientific publications through my institution, these don't include most of the sources cited by the article. I would like reassurance that the nominator has access to the main sources and has been able to check the contents of the article against them. Particularly important are the book by Eastman 1969 and the chapter by Davies 2003 (ref 3).
- I do not have access to these books. As with most Wikipedia articles, I rely on the good faith of earlier Wikipedia editors to provide accurate information from these reliable sources. Eastman was first cited back in September 2010 and Davies in January 2009, both by editors who are no longer active. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 09:37, 15 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
In my review above I challenged the value given for the weight of an egg. In response the source was changed to a web page of the San Diego Zoo. Although probably reliable I would have been happier with a specialised book or article - such as Eastman or Davies mentioned above. There are two articles on emu eggs that may provide values for the weight: Physical and physiological measurements of Emu eggs and chicks and A study of the egg shells of ratite birds. Aa77zz (talk) 21:16, 10 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- I do not have access to the full length versions of either of these articles. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 09:37, 15 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Perhaps request them at the resource request?[2] FunkMonk (talk) 21:16, 15 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- I left a note for the original article-improver. Cas Liber (talk · contribs) 06:14, 26 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- I added a new source for the weight of the egg, and I really don't feel it necessary to quote a peer-reviewed journal article on this point. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 09:31, 4 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- I left a note for the original article-improver. Cas Liber (talk · contribs) 06:14, 26 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Perhaps request them at the resource request?[2] FunkMonk (talk) 21:16, 15 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- I do not have access to the full length versions of either of these articles. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 09:37, 15 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
Support. The article is now much improved. Aa77zz (talk) 15:43, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
Image review
- File:Emu_caller.jpg: suggest adding FoP-Australia tag on Commons
- File:Feeding_farmed_Emu.jpg: source link is dead. Same with File:Baudin_emus.jpg
- File:Australian_Coat_of_Arms.png: suggest adding the PD-1996 tag. Same with File:Australianstamp_1505.jpg. Nikkimaria (talk) 15:51, 7 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Done. Thank you Nikkimaria. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 05:35, 8 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Hi Nikkimaria, the vocalising emu video was filmed by me in Denmark (Odsherred Zoo[3]), not in Australia. In any case not sure why FOP is relevant, it is a living animal (not copyrightable), not an artwork? FunkMonk (talk) 12:01, 8 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- FunkMonk, File:Emu_caller.jpg is a photo of an artifact, not a video of an animal. Nikkimaria (talk) 13:53, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Yes, Cwmhiraeth changed the license of the video as well, so I thought it was because you had listed it here, but I now see you didn't. FunkMonk (talk) 20:19, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- FunkMonk, File:Emu_caller.jpg is a photo of an artifact, not a video of an animal. Nikkimaria (talk) 13:53, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Hi Nikkimaria, the vocalising emu video was filmed by me in Denmark (Odsherred Zoo[3]), not in Australia. In any case not sure why FOP is relevant, it is a living animal (not copyrightable), not an artwork? FunkMonk (talk) 12:01, 8 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Done. Thank you Nikkimaria. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 05:35, 8 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
Comments from FunkMonk
edit- Though I've added a little bit of text about extinct emus here a long time ago, there should be no COI in me reviewing this. It'll probably a bit drawn out, though, and I'd also like to see if Aa77zz is satisfied with the fixes above. FunkMonk (talk) 21:41, 9 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- One thing that struck me is that the intro is very long, probably bloated over the years. Could probably be cut by one third without problem, and be sure that it has no information not found in the article body.
- Thank you. I have pruned the lead somewhat. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 10:04, 11 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Is D. novaehollandiae woodwardi considered valid by anyone today? Based on a comment below, it would seemnot to be the case, but you could maybe have a small paragraph in taxonomy about previously proposed subspecies.
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 12:48, 14 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Wouldn't it make sense to have the history section as part of taxonomy? It essentially deals with discovery and naming.
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 12:48, 14 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- "named by ornithologist John Latham on a specimen" Based on a specimen?
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 12:48, 14 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- "have come from an Arabic word for large bird" What word?
- I don't know. I could remove the statement. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 13:30, 14 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Nah, better to just keep it as is then. FunkMonk (talk) 17:41, 14 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- I don't know. I could remove the statement. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 13:30, 14 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- "The largest can reach up to 1.5 to 1.9 m (4.9–6.2 ft) in height" Maybe make clear that this is head height?
- I think the height implies the total height, ie the top of the head. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 13:30, 14 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- "1 to 1.3 m (3.3–4.3 ft) at the shoulder" Does the source really say shoulder, not back or hip? The shoulder of a bird is not necessarily the highest point, that remeasure is usually for quadrupedal animals.
- Removed. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 13:30, 14 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Minor thing, but the white space after cultural references irks me a bit, could one of the three images perhaps be removed to prevent this? Whatever one you find least significant (I'd say the stamp).
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 12:48, 14 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- You use two different ways of quoting text (one under history, another under economic value), should probably be consistent.
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 12:48, 14 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Some of the text under description seems like it would make more sense under behaviour.
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 10:28, 15 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Likewise with some of the text under conservation, looks more like it belongs under relationship with humans (ways of hunting, etc.)
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 10:28, 15 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- I think the "listen to this article" link under References is perhaps redundant, as there is already a link at the top right of the article?
- Removed. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 10:28, 15 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- It seems the first long paragraph under Behaviour and ecology could perhaps be split off into a "distribution and habitat" section?
- If I did that, you would say "Some of this section should be in the Behaviour and ecology section"! Cwmhiraeth (talk) 10:28, 15 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Nah, I did read it thoroughly, and I think most of it is directly relevant to distribution/habitat, including migration. FunkMonk (talk) 14:25, 15 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 17:16, 15 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Nah, I did read it thoroughly, and I think most of it is directly relevant to distribution/habitat, including migration. FunkMonk (talk) 14:25, 15 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- If I did that, you would say "Some of this section should be in the Behaviour and ecology section"! Cwmhiraeth (talk) 10:28, 15 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- "Pebbles and stones are swallowed to assist in the digestion of the plant material." Link to gastrolith?
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 10:28, 15 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- When I wrote the King Island emu article, sources stated this subspecies developed a brood patch. I'd assume the same was the case for the mainland emu, but it is not mentioned?
- Added. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 10:28, 15 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- "develop a capacity for thermoregulation. During incubation, the embryos are ectothermic but need to develop endothermic behaviour" Could need links and parenthesis explanations for these terms.
- Rewritten. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 10:28, 15 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- "Newly hatched chicks are active and can leave the nest within a few days of hatching." Link Precocial?
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 10:28, 15 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Seems juvenile emus are much darker than adults when they lose their stripes?
- Added in the Description section. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 10:28, 15 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Always make sure no info or term is unique to the intro, some examples:
- "to Australia where it is the largest native bird" Only mentioned in intro.
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 11:19, 15 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- "It is the second-largest living bird in the world" Only mentioned in intro.
- Added elsewhere. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 11:19, 15 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- "They are opportunistically nomadic" Term nomadic not used under behaviour, only intro.
- Removed. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 11:19, 15 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- "economical trot" Only stated as such in intro.
- Removed. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 11:19, 15 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- "and are not monogamous"
- Removed. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 11:19, 15 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- "during this process he fasts"
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 11:19, 15 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Support - all my issues addressed, and I trust that the source issues above will be sorted out. FunkMonk (talk) 21:15, 15 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
Comments from Jim
editGreat that you've taken this on, just a few comments Jimfbleak - talk to me? 13:54, 13 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- HBW doesn't recognise D. novaehollandiae woodwardi, so I think you should make it clear that it isn't a definite ssp. I can give you the relevant HBW text and online ref if needed
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 11:01, 14 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- You should know by now that I'll look for a parasites section! There's plenty out there for you to add something on this
- Added. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 11:01, 14 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- its name is Latin for "fast-footed New Hollander"— we normally give the relevant Latin words for etymology. I can provide Jobling's entries and formatted refs if you need them
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 11:01, 14 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Good luck Jimfbleak - talk to me? 13:54, 13 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Thanks Jim. I have dealt with those points and added a section on parasites. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 11:01, 14 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Support Jimfbleak - talk to me? 11:40, 14 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Thanks Jim. I have dealt with those points and added a section on parasites. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 11:01, 14 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Good luck Jimfbleak - talk to me? 13:54, 13 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
Source review
- Citation 10: All good expect c (does not mention population number). I also added another cite.
- Sorted. Source may have been rewritten and now no longer supports the fact. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 12:28, 21 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Citation 20: Good.
- Citation 27: Good.
- Citation 31: Mostly good expect it does not seem to mention "loose-packed".
- Removed. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 12:28, 21 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Citation 50: Fully supported for b, partially supported for a. I'm assuming 34 supports the other half in the case of a.
- It does. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 12:28, 21 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Citation 70: Mostly good expect it doesn't mention cholesterol.
- Removed. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 12:28, 21 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Citation 71: Does not say that "and are slaughtered at 50 to 70 weeks of age" but that their market age is 15-18 months. I'm not sure if they mean the same.
- Changed. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 12:28, 21 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Citation 73: Good.
- Citation 81: Good.
LittleJerry (talk) 03:05, 21 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Thanks for the source review. I have made amendments where necessary. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 12:28, 21 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Support on sourcing. LittleJerry (talk) 13:38, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Thanks for the source review. I have made amendments where necessary. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 12:28, 21 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
Comments from Cas Liber
editLooking now:
Need to rejig the lead -
- The emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is endemic to Australia where it is the largest native bird and the only extant member of the genus Dromaius. It is the second-largest living bird in the world by height, after its ratite relative, the ostrich. --> "The emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is the second-largest living bird in the world by height, after its ratite relative, the ostrich. The only extant member of the genus Dromaius, it is most closely related to the cassowaries." It endemic to Australia where it is the largest native bird."
you wanna say what it is before where it is...
- Changed round. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 17:53, 26 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Emus were first reported as having been seen by Europeans when explorers visited the western coast of Australia in 1696 - whoa...any further info on this to add?
- Added a little. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 17:53, 26 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- I meant about the siting really...if there is anything to add...Cas Liber (talk · contribs) 12:58, 30 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- It seems very obscure. It might have been at 115°50 east at an island the explorers called "Fog Island" or "Dung Island", but otherwise I am in the fog here. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 13:24, 30 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- I meant about the siting really...if there is anything to add...Cas Liber (talk · contribs) 12:58, 30 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Added a little. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 17:53, 26 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
largest individuals can reach up to 1.5 to 1.9 m (4.9 to 6.2 ft)- I think I'd change these to cm to align with measurements that follow....- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 17:53, 26 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
I'd link albumen, incubation (at first instance)....- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 17:53, 26 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]
Comments from Sainsf
editAs many reviewers have already pointed out several imperfections and made practicable suggestions, I feel this article has inched significantly closer to success. I have the following comments to make after a thorough scrutiny of the whole article:
General: Please confirm that the article consistently uses either American or British English. From an earlier review I remember it is preferable to use that form which is used in the native region.
- I have been through the article with my British English spellchecker and it seems OK. I understand that Australian spelling is generally more similar to British usage than American, but I cannot be sure that this article fully complies with Australian English spelling. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 09:11, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Cool, I think just BE is well enough. --Sainsf <^>Talk all words 09:32, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- I have been through the article with my British English spellchecker and it seems OK. I understand that Australian spelling is generally more similar to British usage than American, but I cannot be sure that this article fully complies with Australian English spelling. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 09:11, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
Taxonomy
The species was named by ornithologist John Latham based on a specimen... The taxobox mentions this event to have occurred in 1790, could we include this in the main text as well?
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 08:57, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
In his original 1816 description of the emu, the French ornithologist Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot used two generic names; first Dromiceius, then Dromaius a few pages later Though I am not sure, is it really necessary to add the "few pages later" phrase? Unless it is necessary for us to guide the readers through the original papers the ornithologist published!
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 08:57, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
The population of these birds varies from decade to decade, largely being dependent on rainfall; current estimates range from 630,000 to 725,000 birds It is best to define what you mean by "current", when was the estimate made?
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 08:57, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- I find some confusion in "Systematics". Please read all points before proceeding to action.
- I came across an online copy of the Novitates Zoologicae (Vol. XVIII, No. 3) of January 1912. In pages 175 and 176, Gregory M. Mathews clearly names 3 extant subspecies : D. n. novaehollandiae, D. n. woodwardi and D. n. rothschildi. I think you could systematically cite this source and mention these three subspecies, followed by discussions regarding disputes.
- You can use the nomenclature details (when and by whom the name was given) of all three subspecies from Avibase entries 1, 2, 3
- In the present form, the article mentions only the first two of the above subspecies; and while the HBW source objects to the last two subspecies, the article seems to suggest that the HBW entry opposes the first two.
- Therefore, I think this paragraph (following the one about the ranges and populations of various emus) needs a complete rewrite. I would suggest that you give all the three ssp. names citing the article by Mathews, this can help remove the "some authorities" vagueness. Then you can add something like "the HBW entry argues that ..." (this removes the "other authorities" vagueness) to show the possible invalidity of the latter two subspecies. Finally the bit that D. n. rothschildi, coined in 1912, is considered dubious today.
- Note: I am not sure whether you should include the common names like Southeast emu for the subspecies, as there is a lot of variation among sources regarding that. Better give just the scientific names or follow only one good source consistently.
- How's that then? Cwmhiraeth (talk) 12:51, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Marvellous! Sainsf <^>Talk all words 15:55, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- How's that then? Cwmhiraeth (talk) 12:51, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
Description
Emus flap their wings when running; it is believed that... a reword to remove the vagueness in the latter part?
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 08:57, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
I suggest linking pelvic and tracheal.
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 08:57, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
Behaviour and ecology
I think you should give a better start to this section. The first para seems just to be picking up a few traits of the bird, and does not look a helpful introduction. Rather, you should make this the 2nd paragraph (after the presently 2nd para). If possible, the first line Inquisitive birds, emus are known to approach humans... observe people and The bird's legs are among the strongest ... tear down metal fencing could be placed in "Relationship with humans".
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 10:49, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
Emus sleep during the night, and begin to settle down at sunset. You should mention sunset before night.
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 10:49, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
You should mention a bit of their diurnal activity too in the para about the sleep schedule. It should look like a short summary of its whole day. I think they forage in the day (as said in Diet).
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 10:49, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
I suggest linking homeothermic, thermoneutral zone, bleaching effect (Breeding) and parasite.
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 10:49, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
Emus drink infrequently, but ingest large amounts when they do so. and They typically drink once per day but can drink several times if the supply is abundant. these two sentences from "Diet" can be merged. I also suggest that if the reason for sudden ingestion of large amounts of water is abundance in water sources at times, state it clearly in "Diet" as well as Lead (this could better reword "when the opportunity arises").
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 10:49, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
In "Breeding", the fifth paragraph appears to be a continuation of the third (behaviour of the interested male is continued), but the fourth seems an unnecessary barrier between the two. Better swap the 4th with the 5th.
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 10:49, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
Relationship with humans
"Oil" is linked twice under "Economic value".
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 08:57, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
Why link "Central Australia" when other Australian regions have not been linked elsewhere? Similarly, why link Peru if other countries have not been linked elsewhere?
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 08:57, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
I suggest linking antioxidant.
- Actually the word is not there. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 08:57, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- I guess you missed it; it's there in the third para after the quote. I have linked it anyway. Sainsf <^>Talk all words 09:32, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
Status and conservation
The IUCN considers their population trend to be stable and assesses their conservation status as being of least concern You can add "As of 2012...".
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 08:57, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
...predation of the eggs and young by foxes, feral and domestic dogs, and feral pigs. Should the dogs and pigs not be mentioned among the predators in "Behaviour and ecology"?
- Done. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 08:57, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
This is all from my side. Awaiting replies, Sainsf <^>Talk all words 06:27, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Thanks for the review, Sainsf. I think I have dealt with all your points. Cwmhiraeth (talk) 12:51, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Great job Cwmhiraeth! Really swift and blitzkrieg response!
- Support: All my points have been addressed, and I feel the article would make a successful FA. Sainsf <^>Talk all words 15:55, 5 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- Closing note: This candidate has been promoted, but there may be a delay in bot processing of the close. Please see WP:FAC/ar, and leave the {{featured article candidates}} template in place on the talk page until the bot goes through. Graham Beards (talk) 18:31, 6 September 2015 (UTC)[reply]
- The above discussion is preserved as an archive. Please do not modify it. No further edits should be made to this page.