How to Identify a Rhea

The rhea is a large, flightless bird that is native to South America. Rheas belong to the ratite family of birds that includes ostriches, emus and kiwis. Although American ranchers have tried to farm rheas for profit, they have not enjoyed the moderate success of ostrich and emu farms. There are several differences between rheas and the other ratites.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Note the size. Rheas are large birds, but they are the smallest of the ratites. Size depends on the species. There are two: The greater rhea, or common rhea, reaches about 4- to 5- feet tall and weighs 50 to 80 pounds, roughly half the size of an ostrich; the lesser rhea, or Darwin's rhea, is only about 3-feet tall.
2. Observe the color. Most rheas are grey or brownish with some white specs and a white underbelly. Some rheas, however, are all white.
3. Look for feathers on the head and neck. Rheas and emus have a pomp of feathers on their heads; ostriches do not.
4. Count toes. Rheas have three. This "toe reduction" helps them navigate quickly and agilely on land.
5. Watch how fast they run. Rheas are speed demons. They can run about 60 miles per hour.
6. Study their behavior. Rheas have good hearing and eyesight; they react quickly. If they feel threatened, they might disappear into tall grass by collapsing their long legs to lie flat on the ground. Male rheas incubate the eggs and even care for chicks.

Tips & Warnings

• Male rheas are territorial. They attack anything that threatens them by kicking their strong legs, each of which ends with a sharp claw.