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- Rhea americana
Identification
The American Rhea (Rhea americana), also known as the Gray, Common, or Greater Rhea is not only the largest species of rhea but the largest American bird, with adults averaging 25 kilograms (55 lbs) and 129 cm (51 inches) long.
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.
It is classified as Near Threatened. They 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.
Distribution
Taxonomy
Habitat
The American Rhea lives in grassland, savanna, scrub forest, chaparral, and even desert, but prefers areas with at least some tall vegetation.
Behaviour
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.
During breeding season (which ranges from August to January in South America, April to August in North America), it stays near water. It is endemic to Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.[1]
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.
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.
