Greater Rhea
Rhea americana
Near Threatened
The Greater Rhea is South America's largest bird, looking like a smaller cousin of the ostrich. These flightless birds roam the grasslands of Argentina and Brazil in small flocks.
Rheas are unusual parents - one male will mate with several females, and then HE sits on all the eggs and raises all the chicks himself!
Size
About as tall as a tall 10-year-old
Very Large (>60 cm)
Wingspan: 150 cm
Weight: 25000 g
Colors
brown
gray
white
Habitat
grassland
Diet
seedsberriesinsects
Fun Facts
- ✨One male rhea can end up caring for 50+ chicks from different mothers!
- ✨They use their large wings like sails to help them change direction while running.
- ✨Rheas are named after the Greek Titan mother of the gods.
- ✨They swallow pebbles to help grind up food in their stomachs.
Conservation Status
Near Threatened
This bird is okay for now, but scientists are keeping a close eye on it. If we're not careful, it might need more help in the future.
Population trend: decreasing 📉