#651: Rhea

The Rhea are two species of large, flightless birds native to South America. Here, the Greater Rhea favours the open grasslands, pampas and woodlands, in the lower ranges, whereas the Lesser Rhea favours the higher ranges. Her diet is predominantly vegetarian, although insects and small vertebrates are occasionally consumed. The male will court and mate with several females, and eggs are laid in a shared nest. He also incubates all of the eggs - up to 60 - unless he finds a subordinate male to take his place. The females, meanwhile, head off to mate with more males and lay more eggs.