The Greater Rhea

Diet:-Broad Leaves of Foliage-Seeds and Fruit-Insects-Scorpions-Small Rodents-Reptiles-Small Birds

Common Name: Greater RheaScientific Name: Rhea Americana

Description:-Roughly 5ft tall- 50-60lbs-Long legs and neck-Small head and bill-Fluffy, tattered looking plumage of grey or brown-Dark patches on neck and back-Males darker than females-Three toes-Lighter color on ventral side and neck

Habitat:-Grasslands-Savannas-Scrub Forest-Chaparral-Desert and Palustrine Lands-Low Elevations-Note: The Greater Rhea prefer areas with tall vegetation to provide cover. During breeding seasons in the spring and summer, these birds remain around bodies of water.

Behaviors:The Greater Rhea lay 6-10 eggs in one clutch, preen their own feathers, and follow a diurnal sleep pattern. These birds are typically silent except when seeking a mate. If doing so, the male will attract the female with a loud booming call. Males also become aggressive toward other males when in a flock. When chased, the Greater Rhea will run in a zigzag pattern, lifting one wing and then the other to distract their predators.

Specialty Senses:-Keen Eyesight, helpful for locating food and avoiding predators-Strong Hearing, ear canal lined with small hairs that sense vibrations

Communication:-Usually Silent-Small, Quiet Cries-Loud Call for Attracting Mates

Range:South American Countries:-Argentina-Uraguay-Paraguay-Bolivia-BrazilNote: In Brazil, the Greater Rhea is absent from the humid tropical forests of the Mata Atlantica and the planalto uplands.

Predators:-Cougars-Jaguars-Feral Dogs-Southern Caracara, feed on hatchlings-Armadillos, feed on eggs

Interesting Fact:The Greater Rhea was named after the titanness, Rhea, of Greek Mythology.

Status & Threats:-Near Threatened Species-Restricted international trade of wild-caught birds-Decreasing range of about 6,540,000 square kilometers due to grassland conversion into farmland or ranchland-Considered a pest by farmers, who may hunt them, because they eat broad-leafed crops