Rheas: Rheidae

Rheas are the largest birds in South America. They are extremely friendly and sociable. In the non-breeding season, the lesser rhea usually live in flocks of five to thirty birds, while the greater rhea live in flocks of ten to one hundred individuals. They are often found grazing alongside herbivorous (plant eating) mammals, such as deer and alpacas. They are fast runners and can reach speeds of up to 37 miles (60 kilometers) per hour, usually running in a zigzag pattern.

Rheas belong to a group of birds called ratites, which are flightless birds that have a flat breastbone rather than a keeled, or curved breastbone like birds of flight. They have a simplified wing bone structure, strong legs, and no feather vanes, making it unnecessary to oil the feathers.

They are polygamous (puh-LIH-guh-mus), meaning they have more than one mate during the breeding season. During breeding season, the male rhea builds a nest in which between two and fifteen females lay their eggs. Nests contain ten to sixty eggs. The male cares for the chicks for about thirty-six hours after they hatch.

During the winter, the flocks split into three groups: single adult males, flocks of two to fifteen females, and yearlings two-years-old and younger. Males challenge each other and try to attract females. This behavior intensifies as the spring and summer breeding season approaches.