Rhea long-billed. Rhea, rhea bird, all about rhea, description of rhea, rhea in nature, types of rhea

One of the largest and most remarkable animals inhabiting the steppe expanses South America this is a rhea. This bird, which looks like an African ostrich, nevertheless belongs to separate detachment Rheaformes, which includes the only rhea family (Rheidae) and the genus Rhea. The birds got their name from their calling cry during the breeding season - “nan-doo”.

Some evidence obtained during excavations suggests that rheas were the very first among flightless birds, and ostriches in this case are descended from rheas. The basis for such assumptions is the extreme antiquity of the rhea. Judging by the research of zoologists, rheas existed in the Eocene, and finds made by archaeologists suggest that they arose back in the Paleocene. Thus, the rhea is one of the oldest families of birds on earth. American rheas received similarities with African ostriches and emus during the so-called convergent evolution, when unrelated species develop similar characteristics under the influence of the same environmental conditions. All of these large, flightless birds belong to the same subclass of ratites, but their degree of relationship is about the same as that of the penguin and swallow.

True, the question of the family relationship between ostriches and rheas has not yet been resolved. Some researchers suggest that maybe they are not related at all, evolution took place separately, and the similarity is purely coincidental.

There are two known species of rhea. The first - the most common - is called the northern or common rhea (Rhea americana), it inhabits the steppes of Brazil and Argentina. The second species is named after the famous Darwin (Rhea pennata), or sometimes it is also called the long-billed rhea. Darwin's rhea lives in Patagonia, in the mountain steppes of the Andes. It is somewhat smaller than its northern relative, its color is more faded and inconspicuous, which allows it to successfully hide in the grass in case of danger.

Darwin's rhea has to hide from enemies much more often than run away from them - this species has very weak legs and quickly runs out of steam over long distances. But Darwin’s rhea is decorated with a longer beak than the northern one, as a result of which it received its second name. True, in matters of survival, the long beak does not help him much.

The northern rhea is more interesting. This is a fairly large bird, the height of an adult is over one and a half meters, and the weight can reach 50 kg. Rheas have huge eyes, decorated with amazingly lush eyelashes, the envy of all movie stars. Like a professional runner, the rhea has well-developed legs, but the wings, which, oddly enough, are quite large for a flightless bird, are very soft and weak and easily bend in different directions, like thin twigs. The bird's feathers are long, reminiscent of fern leaves, and are in quite high demand as decoration. The legs end in powerful, calloused feet, on which four toes grow.

The middle finger, the longest, is armed with a hard and very sharp claw. If the rhea suddenly changes its mind about fleeing from the enemy and decides to defend itself, then the claw will play the role of a terrible weapon: regardless of whether the ostrich kicks forward or backward, this claw, like a sharp knife, will cut into the enemy’s body, tearing and tearing it apart.
But such horrors, naturally, can only happen in as a last resort. Rheas are more than peace-loving birds and will always prefer flight to fight.

In general, these two types are not particularly different from each other. Both have long legs and necks, flat beaks and large eyes on a relatively small head, and surprisingly soft plumage covering the entire body, neck and thighs. Rheas are the only ratite birds without a gall bladder. They are painted rather modestly and inconspicuously. However, among grayish-brown birds you can often see an albino rhea with light plumage and blue eyes.

Developing a running speed comparable to the speed of a car (up to 50-60 km/h), rheas help themselves with their wings, spreading them for balance. During mating games and fights, the birds intimidate the enemy with sharp claws, located one on each wing.

The rhea's diet is extremely varied. Birds eat fruits, leaves, rhizomes of plants, as well as large insects, lizards, scorpions, spiders, small rodents and birds. These omnivorous birds will not refuse fish washed ashore. Nanda can long time do without water, satisfying the need for it through food.

Rheas live in groups of up to 30 individuals. They can often be found near grazing herds of llamas, cows, and pampas deer. Such unexpected alliances with ungulates benefit everyone. Birds have excellent vision, and mammals have a good sense of smell, making it easy to spot a predator.

During the breeding season, groups break up and males disperse into areas. The male builds a nest on his territory, carefully framing the earthen hole with twigs and dry leaves. Females move from one site to another, mating with the host and laying eggs. Thus, the nest may accumulate a large number of eggs from several females, sometimes their number can reach 80 pieces. The father takes care of the eggs and chicks. After about a month of incubation (from 23 to 43 days), babies emerge from the eggs. Surprisingly, all chicks are born within 36 hours, although the time of laying eggs by females can vary up to 2 weeks.

Rheas have few natural enemies: puma, jaguar and feral dogs. Rhea eggs and chicks are the most vulnerable. But the most dangerous enemy for these birds is man. Farmers consider them harmful animals and often shoot birds if they enter their lands. Rhea meat and eggs have always been valued, but now the birds are specially bred for these purposes. Some birds are then released into wildlife, not only in the native places of residence of the rhea, but also in Germany. In 2009, the wild rhea population in Germany was around 100 individuals.

In case of danger, the entire yellow-striped community quickly runs to its parent and hides under its wide wings. If such actions do not help in any way, then the whole family breaks into an orderly flight: the father rushes ahead, constantly changing course, making, like a hare, sharp turns and leaps to the sides, striped children try to keep up with him.

“I never imagined that ground-dwelling birds could move as quickly and easily as birds in flight,” wrote Gerald Durrell in his book “Under the Canopy of the Drunken Forest,” “but that morning I could see it for myself.” . Eight rheas, forming a wedge, ran with all their might. Their legs moved with such speed that they merged into unclear, blurry spots; they could only be distinguished at the moment when they touched the ground, giving the bird a push forward.”

The chicks grow very quickly, after two weeks they reach sixty centimeters in height. After six months, small rheas are no longer small at all - they are as tall as their parents, and after two or three years they begin to change their baby plumage to adult plumage - uniformly gray and approximately the same in both males and females. By this time, the chicks are finally mature enough to start a family on their own.

Local farmers often hunt rheas with dogs, guns and boleadoras - metal balls tied together with rope. Farmers blame rheas for eating too much grass suitable for sheep. The only thing that saves these birds from complete extermination is that they are quite easily tamed and live quite freely on many farms, enjoying all the “rights” of livestock.

Squad - Rhea-shaped

Family - Nandu

Genus/Species - Rhea Americana. Northern Rhea or Common Rhea

Basic data:

DIMENSIONS

Height, height: up to 1.5 m, males are larger than females.

Beak length: 9-12 cm.

Weight: up to 50 kg.

REPRODUCTION

Puberty: from 2-3 years.

Nesting period: from 2-3 years.

Carrying: for 1 year.

Number of eggs: 20-30.

Incubation: 40 days.

LIFESTYLE

Habits: Rhea ostriches (see photo) live in groups of up to 50 birds.

Food: grass, insects, small animals.

RELATED SPECIES

Another member of the family is the long-billed rhea, which lives in Patagonia.

The American rhea ostrich does not fly, but has strong, muscular legs and well-developed wings. His wings are larger than his wings. They cover the bird's body with a lush cape. The male shows off his feathers during the "wedding ceremony". In addition, the wings help the rhea maintain balance while running and make quick turns.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

The northern rhea's favorite food is grass, especially alfalfa and clover, which grow in the pampas. Rhea does not disdain insects, eating grasshoppers. With a quick movement of its beak, this bird catches small animals. The bird receives the fluid necessary for the body from plant foods. Rhea drinks only in cases where, after a long drought, the amount of moisture contained in plants is significantly reduced.

In some areas, sheep farmers consider the rhea a competitor to domestic animals, forgetting that it destroys thistles, which choke out forage plants and whose thorns spoil the wool of sheep. Farmers who care about wool quality know that the presence of rheas prevents sheep from matting their wool.

LIFESTYLE

Northern rheas are common in the pampas and semi-deserts of South America. Birds are more likely to settle near bodies of water - near rivers and swamps, in grassy areas. Rhea avoids high mountain and forest areas.

Northern rheas are social birds, their flocks usually consist of 20-30 birds, in exceptional cases the number of individuals can reach hundreds. During mating, the flock breaks up into smaller groups consisting of 5-10 females led by one male, who zealously defends his territory from enemies and competitors. Males live alone for a certain part of the year.

Nandu has very well developed vision and hearing. The long neck allows the bird to look around in the tall grass and notice danger in time. Rhea has almost no natural enemies. Sensing danger, he runs away on his strong legs with his toes spread wide to a safer place. Nandu spares no effort to break away from the enemy. He runs, bending to the ground, stretching his neck forward, while the bird emits loud cries. Rheas differ from ostriches in that they run in zigzags rather than in a straight line. The pursuers, not expecting sharp turns, accelerated and rush past. When turning, rheas use their wings as a steering wheel and brake. Northern rheas do not migrate; they live sedentary all year round.

REPRODUCTION

The mating season of the northern rhea lasts from September to December (the exact time depends on the bird's habitat). Male rhea ostriches engage in serious fights with each other during mating. The male, who has expelled all rivals from his domain, gathers a harem of females and begins to dance: he runs, abruptly changing direction, puffs up his feathers and shakes his head from side to side. Its thick plumage flutters in the wind like a lush cape. During such a dance, the male makes loud sounds “nandu, nandu”. After mating, the male finds a place convenient for arranging a nest and digs a hole in the ground, which he lines with plants. All females of the harem lay eggs in one nest. The eggs laid outside the nest are carefully rolled by the male to the general clutch. After laying eggs, females go in search of another male. The male incubates the eggs for 40 days. He never leaves the nest, warms the eggs and protects the clutch from lovers of easy money. There are usually about 20-25 eggs in the nest, but sometimes there are 40 and even 50, but in this case normal incubation is impossible, so the embryos do not develop in some eggs. Chicks weigh about 400 grams. They grow up under the supervision of their father. In case of danger, the chicks hide under the wide wings of the male or climb onto his back. At the age of six months, rhea chicks are already able to take care of themselves. They reach sexual maturity at the age of 2-3 years.

• Argentine farmers often take dogs with them to protect themselves from aggressive male rheas. However, some of them use rheas as guards. These cautious birds willingly graze not only sheep, but also geese.
• Rhea flocks are often joined by deer, which take advantage of the birds’ ability to notice the approach of an enemy.
• During mating, males are so engrossed in the fight with rivals that birds that live in zoos drive employees out of their enclosures.
• The name rhea is onomatopoeic, it comes from the ringing cry of this bird - “nandu”.
• One northern rhea egg has the same calorie content as 12 chicken eggs.

CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF NORTHERN NANDU. DESCRIPTION

Plumage: brown-gray, loose, soft, unsuitable for flight. The feathers on the hips and tail are short and stiff.

Beak: about 12 cm long. This is a wonderful weapon against the aggressor and a tool for catching prey.

Nandus werden auch als Pampasstrau?e bezeichnet, da sie von Laien leicht mit diesen verwechselt werden. Der Kopf der Vogel ist mit Feder bedeckt, die Haaren nicht unahnlich sind. Mehr Infos uber Nandus finden Sie unter http://www.zooschule-hannover.de/material/Tierinfos/Endfassung%20Laufvoegel.pdf. Weitere Clips aus dem Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover finden Sie unter: http://www.zooschule-hannover.de/html/clips.php

Nandu is separate species ostriches, common in South America. These birds form their own separate family - rheas. Despite the external resemblance to flightless ratites that live in Africa, the relationship with these feathered creatures is currently considered controversial. Some researchers believe that ratites appeared on different continents at the same time. However, given that these birds are not able to fly, most likely their ancestor still had this ability. Because of different environments habitat, many species of ratites have gone through their own path of development and adaptation to existing conditions, and therefore have a lot of distinctive features.

Rhea is a separate species of ostrich, common in South America.

Appearance of the ostrich rhea

These birds are significantly smaller in size than their possible relatives from Africa. The common rhea grows to approximately 1.4 m in height. The weight of an adult bird usually ranges from 30-40 kg. The South American ostrich rhea has quite thick plumage. Not only the body, but also the long neck has such a covering. Like other species of ostriches, rheas have a relatively small head. The eyes are quite large, thanks to which the birds have excellent vision and can notice any approaching predator.

Like other feathered creatures, rheas have a beak. It is pointed and relatively small, so it does not weigh down the head. Since these birds abandoned flight, preferring terrestrial life, in the process of adaptation they acquired long and very strong legs. Thanks to its strong joints, the bird can move quickly even on rocky terrain. To maintain stability, 3 toes are preserved on each foot. The foot of adult individuals is covered with a thick horny covering, which greatly facilitates movement over rough terrain. This South American ostrich can reach speeds of about 60 km/h.

Despite the fact that these birds lost the ability to fly due to their weight, their wings were not reduced. They are actively used when running, which allows the ostrich to better maintain balance. In some cases, the wings spread out like a sail. This allows the ostrich to run faster, using less energy. Quite impressive claws are also hidden under the feathers on the wings, which can be used as weapons when attacking a predator and while searching for food.

Thanks to its strong limbs, the American ostrich can not only run well, but is also an excellent swimmer.

Rhea feathers resemble soft down. Thanks to this, the plumage looks very fluffy. However, even if the ostrich really wants to use its wings to fly, it will not be able to do this, since there are no special hooks that would hold together individual elements, forming a strong, smooth surface of the feather, like other birds. The rhea ostrich has a very specific voice. The singing of these birds cannot be called pleasant. When giving voice, sounds similar to “nan-doo” and wheezing appear.

Snow-white rheas (video)

Gallery: ostrich rhea (25 photos)

Rhea ostrich habitat

These birds are distributed over a fairly wide area. Large populations of them are present in Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Some species of ostriches, classified as rheas, are found primarily in southern Peru. Typically these creatures prefer open savannas and steppe zones. Many species of rhea ostrich graze in the windswept lowlands of Patagonia.

These birds are also fond of the Andean mountain plateaus. The so-called Darwinian rhea can climb to a height of about 4500 m above sea level for grazing. This species is also found in the subpolar extreme south of South America. The northern rhea prefers to settle in lower areas where the air temperature is higher. These birds easily adapt to new conditions, so they can live wherever the areas are rich in food. Rhea ostriches, living in rather difficult conditions of savannas, are omnivores. Their diet includes:

• broadleaf plants;
• fruits;
• seeds;
• roots;
• insects;
• small vertebrates.

It is believed that these birds, when given the opportunity, can kill and eat snakes. For a long time, rheas can do without water, using the amount of liquid that is present in food. Since ostriches, like other birds, do not have teeth, they solve this problem by regularly swallowing small pebbles, which are called gastroliths. They help break down food in the stomach, allowing it to be extracted maximum amount nutrients.

Behavior in nature and reproduction of rhea ostriches

Throughout the year, females try to gather in herds of up to 30 individuals. This allows them to be more protected from possible predators. Males can form small flocks, but usually they lead a solitary lifestyle, defending a separate territory. In some cases, the groups are mixed gender. Rhea-like animals are quite calm about the proximity of ungulates, so they can join their herds. During the breeding season, harems are usually formed in a separate territory, in which there is 1 male for every 3-7 females. This is enough for the birth of offspring.

Over a long period of time, the male must prepare for the upcoming breeding season. He needs to eat a lot. It is the male in the harem who incubates the eggs, so he needs to accumulate large fat reserves. Only after this can he begin to fight for the right to become a father. If the harem chooses a male, he begins to prepare the place where the clutch begins. The eggs of the rhea bird, like those of other species of ostriches, are quite large. The volume of 1 ostrich egg is equivalent to 2-4 dozen chicken eggs.

Considering they are delicious dietary product, then for many centuries local residents were stealing them for food and using the shells for crafts.

After the eggs are laid, the male begins to incubate them, covering them with his thick feathers from the hot sun and coolness of the night. A clutch may contain from 15 to 40 eggs. Incubation continues for 6 weeks. After the chicks hatch, their father immediately tries to take them to any source of water. After this, he remains with the young for a long time. He does not need to look for food for the chicks, since from the first days they cope with this task themselves. Thus, the male acts as an accompanying protector from the predator.

06.09.2012 - 18:58

The famous Brockhaus-Efron dictionary defines rhea as a genus of birds from the order of runners, inhabiting the steppes of South America. These birds are not much different from their counterparts from the “dark” continent - African ostriches, except perhaps a little smaller in size. But at the same time, you can tell a lot of interesting things about them...

Who's older?

True, the question of the family relationship between ostriches and rheas has not yet been resolved. Some researchers suggest that maybe they are not related at all, evolution took place separately, and the similarity is purely coincidental.

According to another version, rheas are considered the very first among flightless birds, and ostriches in this case are descended from rheas. The basis for such assumptions is the extreme antiquity of the rhea. Judging by the research of zoologists, rheas existed in the Eocene, and finds made by archaeologists suggest that they arose back in the Paleocene. Thus, the rhea is one of the oldest families of birds on earth.

A peculiar confirmation of this version is one feature of the rhea: on its wings, at the very tip of each wing, there is one sharp outgrowth-claw. This claw is practically not used, but it is believed that rheas can use it to intimidate rivals during mating fights and games.

Darwin's Ostrich

There are two known species of rhea. The first - the most common - is called the northern or common rhea; it inhabits the steppes of Brazil and Argentina. The second species bears the name of the famous Darwin, or sometimes it is also called the long-billed rhea. Darwin's rhea lives in Patagonia, in the mountain steppes of the Andes. It is somewhat smaller than its northern relative, its color is more faded and inconspicuous, which allows it to successfully hide in the grass in case of danger.

Darwin's rhea has to hide from enemies much more often than run away from them - this species has very weak legs and quickly runs out of steam over long distances. But Darwin’s rhea is decorated with a longer beak than the northern one, as a result of which it received its second name. True, in matters of survival, the long beak does not help him much.

The northern rhea is more interesting. This is a fairly large bird, the height of an adult is over one and a half meters, and the weight can reach 50 kg. Rheas have huge eyes, decorated with amazingly lush eyelashes, the envy of all movie stars. Like a professional runner, the rhea has well-developed legs, but the wings, which, oddly enough, are quite large for a flightless bird, are very soft and weak and easily bend in different directions, like thin twigs. The bird's feathers are long, reminiscent of fern leaves, and are in quite high demand as decoration. The legs end in powerful, calloused feet, on which four toes grow.

The middle finger, the longest, is armed with a hard and very sharp claw. If the rhea suddenly changes its mind about fleeing from the enemy and decides to defend itself, then the claw will play the role of a terrible weapon: regardless of whether the ostrich kicks forward or backward, this claw, like a sharp knife, will cut into the enemy’s body, tearing and tearing it apart.
But such horrors, of course, can only happen as a last resort. Rheas are more than peace-loving birds and will always prefer flight to fight.

"Nan-du"

In addition to innate pacifism, rheas are also very caring parents, especially, oddly enough, males. In the fall, closer to winter, flocks of several dozen rheas, which had been peacefully grazing side by side all summer, begin to gradually break up into separate families. Such families usually consist of one male and three to four females. Before leading the chosen wives to a pre-prepared nest, the male carries out a rather meager courtship process, which is expressed mainly in puffing out his neck and ruffling his feathers. At the same time, the male makes sounds with his throat, something like “nan-doo, nan-doo,” which is where, in fact, the name of this ostrich came from.

By the way, this sound is more reminiscent of the roar of a large feline predator than the mating flirtation of a cowardly bird, and therefore often makes inexperienced travelers tremble.

The nest where the ostrich brings its harem is an ordinary hole in the ground, lined with dry grass underneath. By the end of the clutch, up to two dozen eggs accumulate in the nest, but in some clutches, researchers found up to eighty of them! Eggs come in various sizes, from the size of a goose to 13 cm in length; Their color is at first yellowish-white with greenish-yellow speckles, but very soon they become pure white.

Responsible father

Interestingly, females do not lay eggs directly in the nest, but always next to it. The male himself rolls the eggs onto the litter with his beak and distributes them there in a way that is convenient for him. And this is not surprising, because after the process of laying eggs, the females are free to rest, while the male, who previously carefully prepared the nest, takes on all the responsibilities associated with incubating the eggs.

Of course, dad is not able to sit still for a whole day, and therefore incubation occurs mainly at night and in the morning. The rest of the time the father spends near the nest, trying to catch something edible. It is clear that the chicks do not want to appear at the same time and this creates even more problems. But, as already mentioned, rhea is very caring father and does not leave the nest until all the chicks hatch.

To prevent the firstborns in the nest from starving to death, the ostrich provides them with a kind of feeding: it pecks at obviously dead eggs and leaves them to rot. Clouds of flies flock to the attractive smell, which in turn are happily eaten by the chicks. It is interesting that all rhea chicks for a long time wear a peculiar childish coloring: yellowish-brown with black-gray stripes along the back. When the last chick is born, the ostrich takes its entire family away from the nest and begins to “teach life” - to show what and how to eat. Sometimes mothers also join in this learning process.

Feud with farmers

In case of danger, the entire yellow-striped community quickly runs to its parent and hides under its wide wings. If such actions do not help in any way, then the whole family breaks into an orderly flight: the father rushes ahead, constantly changing course, making, like a hare, sharp turns and leaps to the sides, striped children try to keep up with him.

“I never imagined that ground-dwelling birds could move as quickly and easily as birds in flight,” wrote Gerald Durrell in his book “Under the Canopy of the Drunken Forest,” “but that morning I could see it for myself.” . Eight rheas, forming a wedge, ran with all their might. Their legs moved with such speed that they merged into unclear, blurry spots; they could only be distinguished at the moment when they touched the ground, giving the bird a push forward.”

The chicks grow very quickly, after two weeks they reach sixty centimeters in height. After six months, small rheas are no longer small at all - they are as tall as their parents, and after two or three years they begin to change their baby plumage to adult plumage - uniformly gray and approximately the same in both males and females. By this time, the chicks are finally mature enough to start a family on their own.

Local farmers often hunt rheas with dogs, guns and boleadoras - metal balls tied together with rope. Farmers blame rheas for eating too much grass suitable for sheep. The only thing that saves these birds from complete extermination is that they are quite easily tamed and live quite freely on many farms, enjoying all the “rights” of livestock.

• 4483 views

Large flightless birds, however, are much smaller than ostriches. The male is about 150 cm tall and weighs 50 kg. As in ostriches, the carina of the sternum is absent, the forelimb is underdeveloped, there are no pterilia or apteria, and the skeleton is not pneumatic. The head and long neck are covered with small feathers, the legs are strong, but with not two, but three toes. There are no tail feathers. The plumage is gray. Males differ from females only in size.

There is one family in the detachment - rhea(Rheidae) with 1 genus and 2 species. The order is widespread in South America.

Northern rhea(Rhea americana)

inhabits the steppes of Brazil and Argentina, and long-billed, or Darwinian, rhea(R. pennata) is common in Patagonia and the Andean mountain steppes. It is smaller than the northern rhea, darker, has weaker legs and a longer beak.

Rheas are polygamous birds. Around the male there are from three to seven females, who lay eggs in a common nest. From 13 to 18-20 eggs are found in nests, but sometimes there are 40 and even 50 eggs. In this case, normal incubation is impossible.

Incubation and caring for offspring is the destiny of the male. However, incubation occurs only at night and early in the morning, until the sun dries the dew. It lasts about 39 days.

Rheas feed on plant foods, as well as mollusks, lizards and worms.

Animal life: in 6 volumes. - M.: Enlightenment. Edited by professors N.A. Gladkov, A.V. Mikheev. 1970 .

See what “Order Nandu (Rheiformes)” is in other dictionaries:

Unchanged; m. South American ostrich with three-toed legs, feathered neck and head. * * * NANDU NANDU (American ostriches, Rheiformes), an order of ratites (see RATELESS BIRDS), includes a single family (Rheidae) with a single genus ... encyclopedic Dictionary

rhea- Big rhea. rhea (Rheiformes), an order of American ostriches endemic to Latin America. The wings are underdeveloped. The legs are three-toed. N. are incapable of flight; They run well and can swim. 2 genera, each with 1 species. Large, or ordinary, N.... ... Encyclopedic reference book "Latin America"

American ostriches (Rheiformes), an order of ratites. The legs are three-toed. The wings are developed, but unsuitable for flight; Only during a fast run do N., stretching his neck horizontally, raise one wing like a sail. At the top of the wings there is a horny... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

Common rhea ... Wikipedia

Scientific classification ... Wikipedia

Birds are a class of vertebrate animals, the representatives of which are well characterized by the fact that their body is covered with feathers and the forelimbs are modified into flight organs - wings. With rare exceptions, birds are flying animals, and those species... ... Biological encyclopedia Biological encyclopedic dictionary