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==Identification== | ==Identification== | ||
| − | The Greater Rhea , also known as the Gray, Common, or American Rhea is not only the largest species of rhea but the largest American bird | + | The Greater Rhea , also known as the Gray, Common, or American Rhea is not only the largest species of rhea but the largest American bird.<br/> |
| + | |||
| + | Wt. 25 kg (55 lbs)<br/> | ||
| + | L. 129 cm (51 in) | ||
| + | |||
| + | <br>The Greater Rhea has many similarities to the [[Ostrich]] but it is about half the height at 1.5 metres and it has a feathered rather than a bare neck. | ||
==Distribution== | ==Distribution== | ||
| − | It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. | + | It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. |
==Taxonomy== | ==Taxonomy== | ||
==Habitat== | ==Habitat== | ||
| − | + | grassland, savanna, scrub forest, chaparral, and even desert, but prefers areas with at least some tall vegetation. | |
==Behaviour== | ==Behaviour== | ||
| + | ====Diet==== | ||
Farmers sometimes consider them pests, because they will eat some crop plants. Because of this habit, farmers sometimes kill the birds. This, along with egg gathering and habitat loss, has led to a sharp population decline; the species is listed as being of "special concern." They do not eat most crop plants, but they will eat brassicas (cabbage, and baby chard and bok choi) if very hungry soybean leaves. Rheas disdain grasses. | Farmers sometimes consider them pests, because they will eat some crop plants. Because of this habit, farmers sometimes kill the birds. This, along with egg gathering and habitat loss, has led to a sharp population decline; the species is listed as being of "special concern." They do not eat most crop plants, but they will eat brassicas (cabbage, and baby chard and bok choi) if very hungry soybean leaves. Rheas disdain grasses. | ||
| + | ====Breeding==== | ||
| + | During breeding season (which ranges from August to January in South America, April to August in North America), it stays near water. | ||
| − | Classified as Near Threatened, rheas are hunted for food and are regarded as a pest by some farmers. | + | ==Discussion== |
| − | They are also killed for their feathers which are used in feather dusters sold mainly in Japan and the USA. | + | ====Status==== |
| + | Classified as Near Threatened, rheas are hunted for food and are regarded as a pest by some farmers. They are also killed for their feathers which are used in feather dusters sold mainly in Japan and the USA.<br/> | ||
| − | + | Rheas have an incredible immune system that allows injured birds to heal rapidly with little intervention. This is reflected in the commercial uses of the animal. The fat of the birds is used as an anti-inflammatory salve. Use of the meat as an energy supplement is patented in the U.S. and Canada by an American woman who has spent 12 years working to reduce chick mortality and provide a commercial basis for the species, trying to ensure its long-term survival.<br/> | |
Male rheas are very territorial during breeding season. The infant chicks are highly intolerant of toxins, having high mortality in typical farming situations. Baby chicks under optimum conditions will grow to four feet tall by their fifth month. | Male rheas are very territorial during breeding season. The infant chicks are highly intolerant of toxins, having high mortality in typical farming situations. Baby chicks under optimum conditions will grow to four feet tall by their fifth month. | ||
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==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
{{GSearch|Rhea+americana}} | {{GSearch|Rhea+americana}} | ||
[[Category:Birds]] [[Category:Rhea]] [[Category:Incomplete]] | [[Category:Birds]] [[Category:Rhea]] [[Category:Incomplete]] | ||
Revision as of 04:02, 25 January 2008
- Rhea americana
Identification
The Greater Rhea , also known as the Gray, Common, or American Rhea is not only the largest species of rhea but the largest American bird.
Wt. 25 kg (55 lbs)
L. 129 cm (51 in)
The Greater Rhea has many similarities to the Ostrich but it is about half the height at 1.5 metres and it has a feathered rather than a bare neck.
Distribution
It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Taxonomy
Habitat
grassland, savanna, scrub forest, chaparral, and even desert, but prefers areas with at least some tall vegetation.
Behaviour
Diet
Farmers sometimes consider them pests, because they will eat some crop plants. Because of this habit, farmers sometimes kill the birds. This, along with egg gathering and habitat loss, has led to a sharp population decline; the species is listed as being of "special concern." They do not eat most crop plants, but they will eat brassicas (cabbage, and baby chard and bok choi) if very hungry soybean leaves. Rheas disdain grasses.
Breeding
During breeding season (which ranges from August to January in South America, April to August in North America), it stays near water.
Discussion
Status
Classified as Near Threatened, rheas are hunted for food and are regarded as a pest by some farmers. They are also killed for their feathers which are used in feather dusters sold mainly in Japan and the USA.
Rheas have an incredible immune system that allows injured birds to heal rapidly with little intervention. This is reflected in the commercial uses of the animal. The fat of the birds is used as an anti-inflammatory salve. Use of the meat as an energy supplement is patented in the U.S. and Canada by an American woman who has spent 12 years working to reduce chick mortality and provide a commercial basis for the species, trying to ensure its long-term survival.
Male rheas are very territorial during breeding season. The infant chicks are highly intolerant of toxins, having high mortality in typical farming situations. Baby chicks under optimum conditions will grow to four feet tall by their fifth month.
