Rhea

Meet the Rhea!

The rhea is a flightless and exclusively South American bird. Its legs, which end in three toes, are strong and adapted for running. The plumage is grayish brown; like ostriches, it has a long neck, a small head and a rather strong beak.

What are its habits?

Their reproduction is almost unique among birds, both sexes reproduce with more than one individual and the male will be in charge of incubation (40 days) and the care of the chicks.

They are omnivorous animals: they feed on seeds, grains, fruits, reptiles and small mammals.

It is a gregarious species, capable of creating flocks of between 20 and 30 individuals (up to fifty specimens have been seen together).

Conservation

Extinct

Extinct in the wild

Critically endangered

Endangered

Vulnerable

Near threatened

Least concern

Insufficient data

Not evaluated

DID YOU KNOW ...

Running birds lack a keel; an extension of the sternum where the flight muscles are inserted. This, together with their small wings and large size, prevent them from flying.