The largest Bird of the Americas, Greater Rhea is a familiar sight on the Pampas of South America. Meanwhile, the smaller Darwin’s (Lesser) Rhea roams in the mountains of Chile. As Ratites, Rheas have no keel bone, and are therefore flightless. However, They can sprint at great speeds with their powerful legs.
What Rheas are noted for are their mating and breeding habits. When establishing their Harems, Rhea Cocks bit and kick each other. Zookeepers say that during breeding season, Rhea Cocks will chase them out of their cages. Meanwhile, Argentine ranchers have Dogs to keep the aggressive Cocks at bay from their Herds.
The victorious Rhea makes a nest on the ground, and lines it with plant leaves. When He is ready, Rhea Cock races towards his Hens with outstretched wings. He calls to Them, “Nan-du.” (In fact, in many part of South America, Rhea is called “Nandu”.) After mating, Rhea Cock directs Rhea Hen to the nest. After She lays her Eggs, He shoos Her away and cares for the eggs Himself.
Rhea Cock will incubate up to sixty eggs. However to protect his brood from intruders, He may rolls a few out of the nest for predators to take. The remainder, He guards by stretching his long neck out and hissing a warning. Wielding his large beak, Rhea can effectively kill an intruder, while watching over his Chicks. Rhea Cock will rear his Chicks until They are independent in two to three years.
Rhea Cock shows us the highs and lows of single parenthood. He tends to his Chicks, but cannot incubate all the Eggs, which means that a high percentage does not hatch. However, the remainder, He will fiercely defend with beak and claw. Be a good father, but know your limits in having children counsels Rhea.
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