Greater rhea

INTRODUCTION

The greater rhea is the largest of all South American birds and is related to ostriches and emus. These flightless birds use their long, powerful legs to outrun trouble. Although their large wings are useless for flight, they are used for balance and for changing direction as the bird runs.

GALLERY

FAST FACTS

Scientific Name:

Rhea americana

Status:

Near threatened

Size:

90 - 159 cm

Weight:

Around 23 Kg

Life Span in Wild:

15 years

Habitat:

Savannah, scrub forest

Diet:

Herbivore

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ME

What Do I Eat?

Leaves, seeds, roots, fruits, insects

Where Do I Live?

South America

Do I Have Any Predators?

Jaguar, feral dogs, bush dog, maned-wolf

How Do I Live?

In spring males are solitary and females form small groups. But in the winter months they all come together to form big flocks. Terrestrial.

Why Am I Endangered?

Destruction and fragmentation of its habitat, hunted for their skin and meat.