GREATER RHEA
Rhea Americana
The Greater Rhea is related to the Ostrich and the Emu and is native to the South American countries of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay.
They are flightless birds with males able reach 170cm tall to the head and weighing up to 40Kg. They have grey/brown plumage, long neck, strong powerful legs and have large wings for a flightless bird.
Their eggs are collected for food and their meat is sometimes eaten.
In the wild, they are often found in open grasslands feeding on broad-leaved plants and grasses. They also feed on fruit, seeds, roots and insects.
Lifespan – Approximately 15 years (Wild)
IUCN Conservation Status – Near Threatened