Rhea (Rhea americana)
Animal facts
Size
The average weight for these birds lies in the region of 20Kg to 27Kg however some adult males can reach weights of up to 40Kg. This bird can stand up to heights of 1.5m.
Habitat and Distribution
This South American bird can be found through Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, where it can be seen living in areas with at least a small amount of low growing vegetation, but can live in all habitats with the exception of very humid rain forest areas. Since 2000 there is also a feral population in Germany which had grown from 6 to 18 birds between 2000 and 2008.
Age
The average lifespan of these birds is around 15 years.
Diet
The majority of their diet is made up of plants growing around floor level, feeding largely on the leaves. However when in season they relish seeds and fruits. This bird will even feed heavily on spiny plants such as thistles if they are in abundance. On occasion these birds can also be seen feeding on many insects and a small amount of young birds and mammals.
Groups and Breeding
These birds often live in fairly close proximity with one another however this does not mean they bond groups most of the time, being perfectly happy feeding on their own and ignoring its kind until breeding season.
When this arrives, a single female will roam amongst the males mating with one male and laying her eggs in a nest for the male to incubate. Once the eggs have been laid the female will leave the male to breed with another. The females will breed with as many males as possible during their breeding season which tends to be from August to January in its natural range. The female may lay 5 to 10 eggs which can take anywhere between 29 and 43 days to hatch.
Threats
The only natural predator which this bird has is the cougar, and as such its only real threat comes from habitat destruction. However it is a very adaptive bird which can live in a variety of habitats and will happily live on the land taken from its range, whether it is used for housing or agriculture. This however does bring its own problems as farmers will not hesitate to hunt birds which feed on their crop.
Interesting fact's
It is thought that these birds will sometime collect large pieces of carrion to attract flies which it loves to feed on in some parts of its distribution.