Rhea bird: Encyclopedia II - Rhea bird - American Rhea

Rhea bird - American Rhea

Rhea americanus (also called the Gray or Common Rhea) is not only the largest species of rhea but the largest American bird, with adults averaging 30 kilograms (66 lb).

Farmers sometimes consider them pests, because they will eat almost any crop plant. 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.

American Rheas live in grassland, savanna, scrub forest, chaparral, and even desert, but prefer areas with at least some tall vegetation. During breeding season (which ranges from August to January in South America, April to August in North America), they stay near water.

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.

The American Rhea is a threatened species as listed in CITES.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "American Rhea", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki