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.
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
Leaves, seeds, roots, fruits, insects
South America
Jaguar, feral dogs, bush dog, maned-wolf
In spring males are solitary and females form small groups. But in the winter months they all come together to form big flocks. Terrestrial.
Destruction and fragmentation of its habitat, hunted for their skin and meat.