I have 2 1/2 birdkin. My Raven has Gypsy Curse (mythologically justified) and Resist Element. My Vulture has Resist Necro and Resist Poison (or maybe Fear, it's been so long since I played him that I forget). My Platypus (the half birdkin LOL) will definitely have Claws (big, digging claws) and either Resist Element (based on the electrical sense they use to find prey under water) or Resist Poison (based on males having poison glands).
As far as approval for racials, it is the plot committee that gives the approval, so I would say the IG home of the character should be the one giving approval. However, I did have a chapter (I forget which one) refuse to house one of my characters in their database because they didn't like my racials, which seemed a bit off to me.
If anyone goes for an Emu, or any other Aussie animal I'd love to work with them for with my Platypus. An "serious" Aussie accent is a must (eg. not saying "Crikey!" every other word).