Rhea is the largest bird in the continent of America and is classified among ratites that form a group of flightless birds. It is because of the absence of breast bone which is connected with flying muscles in flying birds. However, Rhea is not closely resembles with other members present in this group like kiwis, emu, cassowaries and ostrich. Its plumage is grey-brown and has dark patches on upper back and neck, around the abdomen and thighs there are white feathers. A black ring appears at the neck during the days of breeding. Legs are grey and powerful combine with strong toes that is helpful in quick running. Its sound is like that of a mammal's roar and does not resemble with any bird voice.

Types of Rheas

Two rhea types are there i.e. common or greater rhea and Darwin's or lesser rhea. The greater one is 1.5 meter (5 feet) in height and has weight of 25 kg (55 lbs) while the lesser one is 0.91 meter (3 feet) in height and has weight of 10 kg (22 pounds).

Reproduction of Rheas

Female is less grey with smaller and light dark patch on back and neck as compared to male as you can see in rhea pictures. When a new baby born, it's in grey colour and has stripes on the body. They gather up in a group of 30 birds. One of the important rhea facts is that the males produce a loud voice in breeding season and for females they fight with other males. Each male has two or more than two females and together they put 12 eggs in the nest.

Lifespan of Rheas

The maximum age is 15 years and it lives in the South-East and East of America. They eat almost all things like seeds, fruits, plants, birds, lizards, insects and other small birds.