Rhea americana
Rheas live in the southeastern region of South America and they are the largest bird of that continent. They feed on plants, seeds, roots and fruits, but they may also consume insects, lizards, frogs and even small birds. They are hunted by farmers because they will eat almost any agricultural crop. The male courts two to twelve females and he takes care of the eggs and the chicks. He will charge at female rheas and humans who come too close to them. Each egg weighs around 600 grams.
The above picture was taken at the Louisville zoo, in May 2001.
Family Rheidae
Order Struthioniformes
Class Aves
Subphylum Vertebrata
Phylum Chordata
Kingdom Animalia
Life on Earth
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