Rheiformes

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See Rhea (bird) in Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Rheiformes, Rheas and allies. Rheas are large, ostrich-like, or emu-like birds indigenous to the grasslands of South America. Like ostriches and emus, the male rhea incubates the eggs and cares for the chicks. The male builds a nest on the ground, and allows the hens of his harem to lay eggs in it, until it is filled with anywhere from ten to sixty eggs, whereupon the male then chases away any lingering females, and charges at any intruder who approachs his nest, eggs, or chicks, including people and other females.

There are two species recognized in one genus, the American Rhea, Rhea americana, and the Lesser, or Darwin's Rhea, R. pennatus (aka R. darwini). The American Rhea is listed as being threatened, while the Darwin's Rhea is endangered.

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